tannin

noun tan·nin \ ˈta-nən \

|Updated on: 12 Aug 2018

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

See tannin defined for English-language learners

See tannin defined for kids

Recent Examples of tannin from the Web

The only way to get the proper English and French apples — apples with more tannins for better mouth feel, complexity and balance — was to grow them.

— kathy flanigan, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "In Wisconsin, when life hands you apples, you make elegant ciders. And brandy," 27 June 2018
In Wickett & Craig's case, that's done with the natural tannins from the bark of trees like mimosa and quebracho.

— lara sorokanich, Popular Mechanics, "How To Make Leather," 2 Aug. 2016
Order the rib eye, New York strip, or the leaner Wagyu flat iron—no matter which cut, the charred crust will have your mouth watering before a sip of high-tannin California Cabernet even hits your lips.

— sam dangremond, Town & Country, "T&C Travel Guide: Napa Valley and Sonoma County, California," 9 July 2018
The wine is superb: meaty Pinots, holding lingering notes of dark fruit, with tannins that tickle the palate.

— jody rosen, Smithsonian, "This Secret Corner of California Is a Paradise for Lovers of Great Food and Top-Notch Wines," 14 June 2018
Even minor weather variations that occur vintage to vintage can change the grapes' sugar, acid and tannin content, affecting the wine's taste and characteristics.

— CBS News, "How wineries from Oregon to France are adapting to climate change," 28 June 2018
Like coffee and tea, most red wines contain tannins.

— adam hurly, GQ, "These Are the Eleven Things That Stain Your Teeth the Most," 23 Feb. 2018
The summertime pushes the whiskey too far into those French oak staves, and brings out a negative taste through some of the tannins.

— tony sachs, Esquire, "Kentucky Bourbon Is a Family Business. A New Generation Is Ready to Take Over.," 14 Mar. 2018
Whether grilled, sautéed, or seared, the stout meat begs for a light-bodied red, one that’s low on tannins, full of mouthwatering acidity, and heavier on earth and fruit elements.

— Sunset, "5 Tricky Food & Wine Pairings We’ve Mastered," 22 Jan. 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.

Origin and Etymology of tannin

French, from tanner to tan

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First Known Use: 1802

in the meaning defined at sense 1

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TANNIN Defined for English Language Learners

tannin

noun

Definition of tannin for English Language Learners

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

TANNIN Defined for Kids

tannin

noun tan·nin \ ˈta-nən \

Definition of tannin for Students

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

Medical Dictionary

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