tannin

noun

tan·​nin ˈta-nən 

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

While the through note on these stellar wines was red- and black-berry flavors with opulent tannins and touches of spice, earth, and dark chocolate, each wine was distinct and reflective of its season. —Mike Desimone, Robb Report, 31 May 2026

In more recent millenia—and right up to the present—winemakers in France’s Southern Rhône either blend or coferment red and white grapes to maintain balanced fruit, acidity, and tannins in world-famous wines like Châteauneuf-du-Pape. —Emily Saladino, Bon Appetit Magazine, 27 May 2026

The texture is medium‑full and rounded, with soft tannins providing a gentle grip. —Joseph V Micallef, Forbes.com, 26 May 2026

The 2024 Lester Family Pinot Noir, from a very sunny southwest-facing spot in Corralitos, was generously endowed with cherry, leather, blackberry and plenty of tannin. —Laura Ness, Mercury News, 17 May 2026

Word History

Etymology

French, from tanner to tan

First Known Use

1802, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for tannin

• canon
• fanon
• mannan
• olecranon
• trianon

Kids Definition

tannin

noun

tan·​nin ˈtan-ən 

: any of various substances from plants (as the oak or sumac) used in tanning leather, dyeing fabric and yarn, the making of ink, and in medicine

Medical Definition

tannin

noun

tan·​nin ˈtan-ən 

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