tanbark

T1A1N1B3A1R1K5
/ˈtæn.bɑɹk/California/ˈtæm.bɑɹk/

noun

The bark of the oak (or other trees) used as a source of tannin.

Scrabble 13
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Meanings

nountanbark (countable and uncountable, plural tanbarks)

plural tanbarks

  1. countableuncountableThe bark of the oak (or other trees) used as a source of tannin.
  2. countableuncountableThe spent bark used as a ground covering.

    Another circle of groats, crowning a temporary pathway of tanbark flung wide around the first two rings, provided dry footing for the rest of the guests.

    2004, Lois McMaster Bujold, Winterfair Gifts
  3. uncountableWoodchips, especially when used as a ground covering on children's playgrounds.

Origin

From tan + bark.

Full word history & related roots →

Translations

German Lohe, Gerberrinde
  • Lohebark used as a source of tannin
  • Gerberrindebark used as a source of tannin
Spanish casca, taño
  • cascabark used as a source of tannin
  • tañobark used as a source of tannin
  • curtidobark used as a source of tannin
Cite this entry
APA

tanbark. (n.d.). In WatkinsX Dictionary. Retrieved November 2, 2026, from https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/tanbark

MLA

“tanbark.” WatkinsX Dictionary, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/tanbark. Accessed November 2, 2026.

Chicago

WatkinsX Dictionary, s.v. “tanbark,” accessed November 2, 2026, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/tanbark.

Source: tanbark on Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.