# tangy

/tˈæŋi/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/tangy
Updated: 2026-10-16

## Definition

having a sharp, fresh taste that is a little sour in a pleasant way. You use it for foods like lemons, yoghurt, or pickles.

For teachers: 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.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.