Word
tangy
UK/tˈæŋi/
Definition
adj. having a sharp, fresh taste that is a little sour in a pleasant way. You use it for foods like lemons, yoghurt, or pickles.
adj. having a sharp, pleasantly acidic flavour that stimulates the palate. Often describes citrus fruits, fermented foods, and sauces made with vinegar or yoghurt.
Examples
“This sauce has a tangy lemon taste.”
“She adds tangy yoghurt to the curry to balance the heat and freshen the flavour.”
“The aged cheddar leaves a tangy finish that lingers pleasantly, cutting through the richness of the caramelised onions.”
Examples
simple
“This sauce has a tangy lemon taste.”
contextual
“She adds tangy yoghurt to the curry to balance the heat and freshen the flavour.”
complex
“The aged cheddar leaves a tangy finish that lingers pleasantly, cutting through the richness of the caramelised onions.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “tangy” in context.
Verb
01. become tangy
“The dough becomes tangy after slow fermentation.”
verb + adj
02. make tangy
“A squeeze of lemon will make the soup tangy.”
verb + adj
03. seem tangy
“The yoghurt seems tangy enough without added sugar.”
verb + adj
04. smell tangy
“The sauce smells tangy from the vinegar and lime.”
verb + adj
Adjective
05. distinctly tangy
“The pickles are distinctly tangy and very crunchy.”
adv + adj
06. pleasantly tangy
“This white wine is pleasantly tangy with citrus notes.”
adv + adj
07. refreshingly tangy
“The dressing tastes refreshingly tangy on a hot day.”
adv + adj
08. slightly tangy
“The yoghurt is slightly tangy and perfect with honey.”
adv + adj
09. a sweet and tangy sauce
“The chicken is served with a sweet and tangy sauce.”
10. a tangy twist of lemon
“The soup has a tangy twist of lemon.”
11. add a tangy kick
“Add a tangy kick with lime juice and vinegar.”
12. sharp and tangy taste
“The pickles have a sharp and tangy taste.”
Real-World Examples
“Tasters called the sauce “bright” and “delightfully tangy” and remarked that each pizza came with just the right amount.” “The sheep meat is slow-smoked, either in a smoker or over a hickory wood fire, and brushed with a sour, tangy sauce.” “We looked for ketchup that was balanced: sweet, savory, and tangy.” Etymology
From tang + -y.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Related words
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/tangy