astringency

noun

as·​trin·​gen·​cy ə-ˈstrin-jən(t)-sē How to pronounce astringency (audio)
: the quality or state of being astringent

Examples of astringency in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
With woody astringency and perky fruit flavors, the signature 80 percent chocolate pairs with bold red wines and dark beers. — Rebecca L. Rhoades, Saveur, 20 Aug. 2025 The mouthfeel is medium and polished, smoother and satiny rather than syrupy, with oak providing structure rather than tannic astringency. — Joseph V Micallef, Forbes.com, 13 Feb. 2026 That’s because tea leaves contain tannins, complex chemical substances that give tea its astringency and dark color. — Asia London Palomba, The Spruce, 2 Apr. 2026 There has been an element of austerity, even astringency, in one major strain of the novel since the nineteenth century. — Aaron Matz, The New York Review of Books, 4 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for astringency

Word History

First Known Use

1601, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of astringency was in 1601

Rhymes for astringency

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Browse Nearby Words

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Cite this Entry

“Astringency.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/astringency. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

astringency

noun
as·​trin·​gen·​cy ə-ˈstrin-jən-sē How to pronounce astringency (audio)
: the quality or state of being astringent

More from Merriam-Webster on astringency

Nglish: Translation of astringency for Spanish Speakers

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