tang
Tang (noun) means a sharp, distinctive taste or smell. Example: “The cheese had a strong tang that lingered.”
How to use tang
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA sharp, pungent taste or smell — or, separately, a type of colorful reef fish.
Word forms
tanged past tense, tangs plural, tangs plural, tangs plural, tangs plural, Tangs plural, Tangs plural, Tangs plural, Tangs plural, Tangs plural, tangs singular
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The cheese had a strong _____ that lingered.
Etymology
Imitative in origin, originally describing a sharp ringing sound before extending to sharp tastes and smells.
Synonyms
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Rhymes for tang
See all rhymes for tang →Frequently asked questions
What does “tang” mean?
The word “tang” means a sharp, distinctive taste or smell. In plain terms, a sharp, pungent taste or smell — or, separately, a type of colorful reef fish.
How do you pronounce “tang”?
“Tang” is pronounced TANG (/ˈtæŋ/ in IPA).
How do you use “tang” in a sentence?
Here is “tang” used in a sentence: “The cheese had a strong tang that lingered.”
What part of speech is “tang”?
“Tang” is a noun.
Is “tang” a common word?
“Tang” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “tang” have?
“Tang” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a sharp, distinctive taste or smell.
What is the difference between tang and taste?
Tang specifically refers to a sharp, distinctive taste or smell, often with a pungent or zesty quality, while taste is the general sense or flavor of something without implying sharpness. Foods described as having a tang, like citrus or vinegar, are noted for a noticeably strong, piercing flavor.
Is tang used for smells as well as tastes?
Yes, tang can describe a sharp, distinctive smell as well as a taste, such as the tang of salt air near the ocean. Both senses share the idea of a strong, penetrating quality that stands out.
What is a tang fish?
A tang is also a brightly colored saltwater fish often kept in reef aquariums, unrelated to the taste or smell sense of the word. This is a separate meaning describing a type of marine fish popular in the aquarium hobby.