tanning

noun

tan·​ning ˈta-niŋ 

1

: a browning of the skin especially by exposure to sun

2

: the art or process by which a skin is tanned

3

: a sound spanking

4

: a natural darkening and hardening of the cuticle of an insect immediately after molting

Examples of tanning in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

With innovations in tanning and finishing, such as olive tanning using leaves from olive trees leading to the elimination of harmful chemicals, and renewable energy use offsetting carbon emissions, the leather industry is working to make strides toward being more sustainable. —Jennifer Bringle, WWD, 12 Dec. 2024

Members of Sink's family confirmed Sink had gone into the tanning bed on Friday and was found dead on Monday, according to WTHR13. —Noe Padilla, The Indianapolis Star, 12 Nov. 2024

Sink went into a tanning bed Friday, his family told NBC affiliate WTHR of Indianapolis. —Marlene Lenthang, NBC News, 13 Nov. 2024

Of all the questionable beauty trends to return recently, tanning is one of the most frightening. —Tori Crowther, refinery29.com, 21 May 2024

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Phrases Containing tanning

• tanning bed
• tanning booth

Kids Definition

tanning

noun

tan·​ning

ˈtan-iŋ

1

: the art or process by which an animal skin is tanned

2

: a browning of the skin especially by exposure to the sun

3

: a usually severe whipping

Medical Definition

tanning

noun

tan·​ning ˈtan-iŋ 

: a browning of the skin by exposure to sun