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

Toasting brings out a different side of the wood, coaxing greater sweetness and vanilla while softening sharper tannins and creating a fuller, rounder body. — Hudson Lindenberger, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 2026

Polyphenols and tannins can reduce absorption of non-heme iron at mealtime. — Christopher Bergland, Verywell Health, 3 Aug. 2026

This can mute its flavor and make the wine seem flat and the tannins harsher. — Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 2 Aug. 2026

Silky tannins in the mid palate support flavors of cocoa, black raspberry, and plum. — Mike Desimone, Robb Report, 30 July 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