A A zentangle is a doodle where the mind and body are in a relaxed state (zen-like). A “tangle” is a little doodle. So a zentangle is a focused and relaxed drawing. Usually these doodles have “step-outs” where the creator draws up directions to create a specific design, signs their name to them and publishes them online. Fourth and fifth graders made these zentangles as a one-day project.