tan line

noun

plural tan lines
: a line that distinguishes a suntan from a paler shade of skin and that shows where an area of skin was covered (as by clothing) when the tanning occurred
While the new swimming costume would, in all possibility, leave your body with bizarre tan lines, celebrities seem to be unperturbed by the after-effects.Reema Gowalla
My dad, Larry—Yogi's oldest son—recently found a tan line beneath the '63 ring he got from his dad.Lindsay Berra

Examples of tan line in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
With a rugged exterior as if it were washed on the salty shores of Venice Beach, this hoodie boasts a fluffy terry lining to caress those new tan lines. Astrid Kayembe, Los Angeles Times, 2 Aug. 2024 Matthew McConaughey and Camila McConaughey aren't risking any tan lines. Antonia Debianchi, Peoplemag, 24 July 2024 This sunscreen hack intentionally creates tan lines across the face so users can skip their morning contour and go for a makeup-free look all summerlong. Lauren Burwell, Allure, 15 July 2024 Plus, the spaghetti straps will yield tiny tan lines during an outdoor event, as opposed to an uneven farmer’s tan that a short-sleeve gown may leave behind. Alyssa Grabinski, Peoplemag, 16 July 2024 The idea is that by creating artificial tan lines across the face, the user will be left naturally contoured by the power of the sun—without using makeup. Lauren Burwell, Allure, 15 July 2024 These tops are perfect for avoiding the tan lines that traditional bikini tops leave. Nora Colomer, Fox News, 11 July 2024 Those first few hot days, the anticipation of vacations and tan lines — the tension is tactile. Magdalene Taylor, Washington Post, 24 June 2024 Each version features flattering ruching at the midsection, thin straps for minimal tan lines, and dozens of colors to choose from. Alesandra Dubin, Travel + Leisure, 17 June 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1944, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of tan line was in 1944

Dictionary Entries Near tan line

Cite this Entry

“Tan line.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tan%20line. Accessed 17 Nov. 2024.

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