tannin

noun

tan·​nin ˈta-nən How to pronounce tannin (audio)
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
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.
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 The polyphenols and tannins in coffee bind to iron in the digestive tract and block it from being absorbed. — Allison Palmer updated June 13, Sacbee.com, 13 June 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 Commercial juicers can often extract more tannins and concentrate them with pasteurization. — Md Published, Verywell Health, 24 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for tannin

Word History

Etymology

French, from tanner to tan

First Known Use

1802, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of tannin was in 1802

Rhymes for tannin

See All Rhymes for tannin

Browse Nearby Words

tanniferous
tannin
tannined
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

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Kids Definition

tannin

noun
tan·​nin ˈtan-ən How to pronounce tannin (audio)
: 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 How to pronounce tannin (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on tannin

Nglish: Translation of tannin for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about tannin

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