tannin

tan·nin | \ ˈta-nən

How to pronounce tannin (audio)

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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 The tannins on the finish are present, but not harsh. — Birmingham Magazine, al, "6 recommendations for red and white Thanksgiving wines," 27 Nov. 2019 The answer is tannins — an organic material — in the region’s underground water supply, officials said. — Larry Barszewski, sun-sentinel.com, "The water’s yellow and no, someone didn’t forget to flush," 4 Oct. 2019 Some of our favorite punches are based on tea, whose mild tannins bring a nice bitter note to single-serve cocktails as well. — Lisa Futterman, chicagotribune.com, "It’s time for vermouth to come out of the depths and star in cocktails," 28 Aug. 2019 Oak’s contribution to a wine’s structure can be more subtle than tannin. — Dave Mcintyre, Washington Post, "Love it or hate it, oak is important in wine. Here are 5 things to know.," 16 Aug. 2019 But don't eat too many -- the tannin content will dry your mouth or give you a headache (just like wine). — Sandee Lamotte, CNN, "The food that can feed, and maybe save, the planet: Bugs," 25 Oct. 2019 Pinot has a lighter body and is incredibly smooth on the finish, without too much of a bitter bite from the tannins. — Paul Daugherty, Cincinnati.com, "Doc's Morning Line: MLB Umpire Rob Drake's tweet shows what the hell is wrong with us," 24 Oct. 2019 Grape skins, seeds and stems also add tannin to wine, but the influence of oak is the most perceptible. — Dave Mcintyre, Washington Post, "Love it or hate it, oak is important in wine. Here are 5 things to know.," 16 Aug. 2019 As one’s relationship with wine can evolve from something like childhood romance (in my case, white zin) into something nuanced, special and sophisticated (dry, tannin-rich cabernet), coffee, too, says Moore, has its own gateway. — Amy Drew Thompson, orlandosentinel.com, "Unreal Coffee: Starbucks is so popular it’s turning baristas into forensic detectives," 16 Aug. 2019

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

2 Dec 2019

Cite this Entry

“Tannin.” The Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster Inc., https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tannin. Accessed 7 December 2019.

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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

tan·nin | \ ˈta-nən

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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

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

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