tanned; tanning
1
: to make (skin) tan especially by exposure to the sun
2
a
: to convert (hide) into leather by treatment with an infusion of tannin-rich bark or other agent of similar effect
b
: to convert (protein) to leather or a similar substance
: to get or become tan
tanner; tannest
1
: of the color tan
2
: of, relating to, or used for tan or tanning
1
: a brown color imparted to the skin especially by exposure to the sun
2
: a light yellowish brown
3
tans plural
: tan-colored articles of clothing
4
: a tanning material or its active agent (such as tannin)
tangent
Synonyms
Examples of tan in a Sentence
Verb
Grandpa told us that when he was a kid, if he misbehaved at all, his father would tan his backside with a belt
a time when children were routinely tanned for misbehavior
Adjective
I can't believe how tan she is!
a horse with tan markings
Noun
I got a tan on my vacation.
Recent Examples on the Web
Adrienne Davis, Journal Sentinel, 31 Dec. 2024
Their leathers are tanned in Italy, near their factory in Tuscany.
—Nadja Sayej, Forbes, 16 Oct. 2024
Hannah Sacks, People.com, 31 Dec. 2024
His six interceptions are tied for the fewest among qualified starters and he’s thrown more tan one only once, in Week 5 against Michigan State.
—Andrés Soto, Los Angeles Times, 31 Dec. 2024
Heather Bien, Southern Living, 15 Dec. 2024
The concentrated tan drops use nourishing ingredients like grapefruit, chia seed, and avocado oils to keep the skin hydrated and deliver a long-lasting tan.
—Claire Rutter, Rolling Stone, 5 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for tan 
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Verb
The gym also features specials for gym visitors including tanning and hydromassage chairs, according to the Crunch website.
—Adrienne Davis, Journal Sentinel, 31 Dec. 2024
Their leathers are tanned in Italy, near their factory in Tuscany.
—Nadja Sayej, Forbes, 16 Oct. 2024
Adjective
Miles knelt in front, wearing a purple hoodie while Legend wore a tan jacket and stood behind all four of his kids.
—Hannah Sacks, People.com, 31 Dec. 2024
His six interceptions are tied for the fewest among qualified starters and he’s thrown more tan one only once, in Week 5 against Michigan State.
—Andrés Soto, Los Angeles Times, 31 Dec. 2024
Noun
These colorful summer flowers evolve into the perfect color for fall, adding textural interest and a pretty palette of light browns and tan to the garden.
—Heather Bien, Southern Living, 15 Dec. 2024
The concentrated tan drops use nourishing ingredients like grapefruit, chia seed, and avocado oils to keep the skin hydrated and deliver a long-lasting tan.
—Claire Rutter, Rolling Stone, 5 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for tan
Dictionary Entries Near tan
Cite this Entry
“Tan.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tan. Accessed 7 Jan. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
tan
1 of 3 verb
tanned; tanning
1
: to change hide into leather especially by soaking in a tannin solution
2
: to make or become tan or brown especially by exposing to the sun
3
tan
2 of 3 adjective
tanner; tannest
: of the color tan
tan
3 of 3 noun1
: a brown color given to the skin especially by exposure to the sun
2
: a light yellowish brown
tannish
adjective
ˈtan-ish
Medical Definition
tan
1 of 2 verb
tanned; tanning
: to make (skin) tan especially by exposure to the sun
: to get or become tanned
tan
2 of 2 noun
: a brown color imparted to the skin by exposure to the sun or wind
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