1
a
: a sharp distinctive often lingering flavor
b
: a pungent odor
c
: something having the effect of a tang (as in stimulation of the senses)
the tang of the autumn air
add tang to your writing
2
a
: a faint suggestion : trace
my comment held a tang of sarcasm
b
: a distinguishing characteristic that sets apart or gives a special individuality
3
: a projecting shank, prong, fang, or tongue (as on a knife, file, or sword) to connect with the handle
4
: any of various surgeonfishes compare blue tang
tanged; tanging; tangs
: a sharp twanging sound
variants
or T'ang
: a Chinese dynasty dated a.d. 618–907 and marked by wide contacts with other cultures and by the development of printing and the flourishing of poetry and art
Synonyms
Examples of tang in a Sentence
Noun (1)
the young author's novel is surprisingly earnest, tackling its subject without the slightest tang of irony
there's a real tang to her poetry—it's not all sweetness and light
Recent Examples on the Web
Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 27 Oct. 2024
While general nostalgia tends to lean more positive emotionally, anticipatory nostalgia has more of a bittersweet tang.
—Lauren Mazzo, SELF, 8 Oct. 2024
There’s a slight tang, with a distinct, earthy, malty flavor.
—Jenn Harris, Los Angeles Times, 16 Sep. 2024
That balanced malleability is due to the fact that, instead of a full tang (a blade that runs the full length of the hand), the knife’s hollow ergonomic handle is filled with just enough sand to perfectly offset the weight of the knife blade.
—Sarah Jampel, Bon Appétit, 16 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for tang 
Noun
The homemade Buttermilk-Parmesan dressing provides the perfect tang to balance the smoky bacon and buttery croutons.
—Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 27 Oct. 2024
While general nostalgia tends to lean more positive emotionally, anticipatory nostalgia has more of a bittersweet tang.
—Lauren Mazzo, SELF, 8 Oct. 2024
There’s a slight tang, with a distinct, earthy, malty flavor.
—Jenn Harris, Los Angeles Times, 16 Sep. 2024
That balanced malleability is due to the fact that, instead of a full tang (a blade that runs the full length of the hand), the knife’s hollow ergonomic handle is filled with just enough sand to perfectly offset the weight of the knife blade.
—Sarah Jampel, Bon Appétit, 16 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for tang
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'tang.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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Cite this Entry
“Tang.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tang. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.
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