tannin

noun

tan·nin | \ ˈta-nən

Definition of tannin

1 : any of various soluble astringent complex phenolic substances of plant origin used especially in tanning leather and dyeing textiles, manufacturing ink, clarifying wine and beer, and in medicine

2 : a substance that has a tanning effect

Examples of tannin in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Fermenting the wine in barrels gives added tannin and structure, as well as some flavors of toast and spice, such as clove, vanilla or nutmeg. — Dave Mcintyre, Washington Post, "5 things to know about chardonnay, the world’s most popular white wine," 26 July 2019 Crafted from zinfandel grapes hailing from Southern California’s Cucamonga Valley, this pour offers exuberant concentration and ripe tannins. — Ellen Bhang, BostonGlobe.com, "Women winemakers tell their stories at Portland Wine Week," 1 July 2019 This cabernet is deep with blackberry and boysenberry fruit, and grippy tannins that give it a flavor of the frontier. — Dave Mcintyre, Washington Post, "Rosé all day with this refreshing California $13 pinot noir," 28 June 2019 The tropical green tea is filled with hints of passionfruit and pineapple, and the citrus black tea ropes in tannins and bright citrus for a spritz-like experience. — Alex Delany, Bon Appétit, "I'm Now A Person Who Drinks Lightly Brewed Sparkling Tea," 22 June 2019 And black tea contains tannins, which is likely to leave stains and marks on fabric, skin, china, and even teeth. — Gianluca Mezzofiore, CNN, "A slick video with claims about artificial food spreads online even though some of the claims are fake," 7 June 2019 The tannins are grippy, but the wine overall feels light and ethereal. — Esther Mobley, SFChronicle.com, "Do we drink the same wine that the Romans drank? Not quite," 13 June 2019 This medium to full bodied wine has soft tannins and aromas of earth and tobacco. — Lettie Teague, WSJ, "Is This Chilean Wine Too Affordable?," 9 Nov. 2018 This robust brandy made in Louisville, Ky., hints at honey and baking spice, with lots of toasty oak tannins providing a dry, puckery finish. — Kara Newman, WSJ, "Your New Favorite Brown Liquor," 4 Oct. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'tannin.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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Last Updated

29 Jul 2019

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The first known use of tannin was in 1802

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More Definitions for tannin

tannin

noun

English Language Learners Definition of tannin

: a reddish acid that comes from plants, is used in making ink and leather, and occurs in various foods and drinks (such as wine)

See the full definition for tannin in the English Language Learners Dictionary

tannin

noun

tan·nin | \ ˈta-nən

Kids Definition of tannin

: a substance often made from oak bark or sumac and used in tanning animal hides, dyeing fabric and yarn, and making ink

tannin

noun

tan·nin | \ ˈtan-ən

Medical Definition of tannin

1 : any of various soluble astringent complex phenolic substances of plant origin used in tanning, dyeing, the making of ink, and in medicine as astringents and formerly in the treatment of burns

2 : a substance that has a tanning effect