tang

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noun (1)

ˈtaŋ 

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

ˈtaŋd 

adjective

tang

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verb (1)

tanged; tanging; tangs

transitive verb

1

: to furnish with a tang

2

: to affect with a tang

tang

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verb (2)

tanged; tanging; tangs

: clang, ring

tang

4 of 5

noun (2)

: a sharp twanging sound

Tang

5 of 5

noun (3)

ˈtäŋ 

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

Noun (1)

• breath
• flicker
• glimmer
• hint
• suggestion
• touch
• trace
• whiff

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

Noun

Sour cream: Adds creaminess and a slight tang to the mashed potatoes. —Stacey Ballis, Southern Living, 2 Nov. 2024

Mayonnaise: Brings a creamy tang to the base of the lemony sauce. —Amanda Stanfield, Southern Living, 2 Nov. 2024

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

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

Middle English, of Scandinavian origin; akin to Old Norse tangi point of land, tang

Verb (2)

imitative

Noun (3)

Chinese (Beijing) Táng

First Known Use

Noun (1)

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 3

Verb (1)

1566, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb (2)

1556, in the meaning defined above

Noun (2)

1686, in the meaning defined above

Noun (3)

1669, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing tang

• blue tang

Kids Definition

tang

noun

ˈtaŋ

1

: a sharp often lingering flavor

2

: a sharp odor