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; tanging; tangs
: a sharp twanging sound
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
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
David Culver, CNN Money, 3 Nov. 2025
Their buttery richness will cut through the tang of salad without competing with other hearty sides, like sweet potato casserole.
—Rebecca Firkser, Bon Appetit Magazine, 31 Oct. 2025
Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 1 Sep. 2025
The old fashioned has a touch of tang from pomegranate, smoothed out by cherry bark vanilla bitters.
—Rachel Bernhard, jsonline.com, 29 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for tang
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Noun
Smoke from debris fires mixes with a faint tang of fuel from the few generators that still have gas.
—David Culver, CNN Money, 3 Nov. 2025
Their buttery richness will cut through the tang of salad without competing with other hearty sides, like sweet potato casserole.
—Rebecca Firkser, Bon Appetit Magazine, 31 Oct. 2025
Noun
Editors thought Walmart's potato salad was the most classic of the bunch, with the best flavor that nicely balances tang and sweetness.
—Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 1 Sep. 2025
The old fashioned has a touch of tang from pomegranate, smoothed out by cherry bark vanilla bitters.
—Rachel Bernhard, jsonline.com, 29 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for tang
Cite this Entry
“Tang.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tang. Accessed 4 Nov. 2025.
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