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

Because of the high tannin and acidity levels in coffee, coffee grounds are able to break down strong proteins, making for tender meats. —Claire Hoppe Norgaard, Better Homes & Gardens, 24 Nov. 2025

Viscous, even oily in texture, but with an earthy sauvage and an amaretto grip of tannins. —Anna Lee C. Iijima, Bon Appetit Magazine, 24 Nov. 2025

This wine has impressive concentration and depth, with smooth tannins and a heady floral perfume. —Laura Ness, Mercury News, 23 Nov. 2025

Hailing from forests throughout the French countryside including Alliers, Limousin, Nevers, and Tronçais, French oak imparts a silkier texture than its American counterpart as well as soft clove, cinnamon, nutmeg, and coffee flavors and light hints of vanilla alongside smooth or polished tannins. —Mike Desimone, Robb Report, 23 Nov. 2025

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