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
Silky tannins lead the way to flavors of cherry, dark chocolate, and black raspberry.
—
Mike Desimone and Jeff Jenssen, Robb Report, 17 Apr. 2025
Very dense with smooth velvety tannins, this wine has excellent intensity, moderate complexity, and a very warm finish.
—Liz Thach, Forbes.com, 16 Apr. 2025
Several studies have found that polyphenols, especially tannins, can also play havoc with your iron supplement.
—Fiona Embleton, Glamour, 18 Mar. 2025
Their Deviate 2022 Pinot Noir has aromas of Oolong tea, eucalyptus, cherry, and red plum with smooth tannins and flavors of cranberry, black cherry, and a touch of cinnamon in the finish.
—Mike Desimone and Jeff Jenssen, Robb Report, 4 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for tannin
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.
Mike Desimone and Jeff Jenssen, Robb Report, 17 Apr. 2025
Very dense with smooth velvety tannins, this wine has excellent intensity, moderate complexity, and a very warm finish.
—Liz Thach, Forbes.com, 16 Apr. 2025
Several studies have found that polyphenols, especially tannins, can also play havoc with your iron supplement.
—Fiona Embleton, Glamour, 18 Mar. 2025
Their Deviate 2022 Pinot Noir has aromas of Oolong tea, eucalyptus, cherry, and red plum with smooth tannins and flavors of cranberry, black cherry, and a touch of cinnamon in the finish.
—Mike Desimone and Jeff Jenssen, Robb Report, 4 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for tannin
Cite this Entry
“Tannin.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tannin. Accessed 23 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationKids 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share