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

There is balancing acidity, medium-full, youthful tannins and ample wood notes. —Tom Hyland, Forbes.com, 27 Aug. 2025

This fruit is high in digestive enzymes known as tannins that can slow down the digestion of starch, reducing the amount of carbohydrates your body absorbs from eating. —Cristina Mutchler, Verywell Health, 31 July 2025

The principal differences in acorns are size and tannins. —Shaun McKinnon, AZCentral.com, 26 July 2025

National Wine & Cheese Day is celebrated on July 25, a holiday that honors the timelessness of this pairing that brings together salt and fat and acidity and tannins and a host of other factors to create something that’s close to perfection on the palate. —Amy Drew Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 25 July 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