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 nose suggested white florals, but the wine was bone-dry, with structured tannins and a yeasty note.
—
Adam Erace,
Travel + Leisure,
2 July 2026
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,
28 June 2026
To varying degrees of success, there's even some partial carbonic fermentation to soften tannins in certain cuvées.
—
Paul Caputo,
Forbes.com,
27 June 2026
The 2019 has aromas of licorice, cassis, black raspberry, cedar, and mocha with silky tannins and flavors of sweet baking spices, ripe dark fruits, and a touch of dark chocolate in the finish.
—
Mike Desimone,
Robb Report,
26 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for tannin
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Adam Erace,
Travel + Leisure,
2 July 2026
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,
28 June 2026
To varying degrees of success, there's even some partial carbonic fermentation to soften tannins in certain cuvées.
—
Paul Caputo,
Forbes.com,
27 June 2026
The 2019 has aromas of licorice, cassis, black raspberry, cedar, and mocha with silky tannins and flavors of sweet baking spices, ripe dark fruits, and a touch of dark chocolate in the finish.
—
Mike Desimone,
Robb Report,
26 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for tannin
Cite this Entry
“Tannin.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tannin. Accessed 6 Jul. 2026.
Copy CitationKids 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
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