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

Medium-full and well balanced, there is good acidity, along with medium-weight tannins and good persistence. —Tom Hyland, Forbes.com, 27 Aug. 2025

Certain beverages like matcha lattes may have less tannins because they're diluted with milk or water, and ceremonial grade matcha may have fewer tannins than culinary grade. —Charlotte Phillipp, People.com, 22 Aug. 2025

The tannins are smooth and rounded and the finish goes on for what seems like eternity. —Mike Desimone, Robb Report, 12 Aug. 2025

Black tea is preferred due to its high tannin content. —Meghan Overdeep, Southern Living, 7 Aug. 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