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

Relic’s 2018 Petite Sirah is made from some of its older vines and has aromas of freshly ground black pepper, black currant, and black plum with soft tannins and flavors of dark chocolate, cinnamon, black raspberry, and cassis. —Mike Desimone and Jeff Jenssen, Robb Report, 23 Jan. 2025

The estate is only three miles from False Bay, which influences a cooling effect with winds counterbalancing hot summers, allowing for a longer growing season, enabling grapes to find an ideal balance between fruit ripeness, plenty of acidity and ripe tannins – creating a silky texture. —Cathrine Todd, Forbes, 19 Jan. 2025

Full of black-cherry flavor and with coffee-like tannins, it’s made from Kalecik Karası grapes. —Betsy Andrews, Travel + Leisure, 18 Jan. 2025

Opulent tannins and just the right level of acidity wrap around flavors of purple plum, licorice, and baking spices that culminate in a long, satisfying finish. —Mike Desimone and Jeff Jenssen, Robb Report, 13 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

French, from tanner to tan

First Known Use

1802, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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