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
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
Skye Goode, Outdoor Life, 27 Feb. 2025
By the Swinging ’60s, Oberon tanned and grew her hair long but kept her identity secret.
—Carolyn Kellogg, Los Angeles Times, 26 Feb. 2025
CBS News, 3 Mar. 2025
Its partner is more drab, with tan and gray stripes on its head and brown streaks through its white throat.
—Donna L. Maney, Scientific American, 18 Feb. 2025
Scott Travers, Forbes, 26 Feb. 2025
The design is depicted in tan and cream for the handle @aseverofficial.
—Janine Henni, People.com, 20 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for tan
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Verb
Fur handling is a lengthy discussion for another time, but at the very least, have a plan to skin your catch, then roll it up (fur out) and put it in the freezer, to be sold or tanned at a later time.
—Skye Goode, Outdoor Life, 27 Feb. 2025
By the Swinging ’60s, Oberon tanned and grew her hair long but kept her identity secret.
—Carolyn Kellogg, Los Angeles Times, 26 Feb. 2025
Adjective
Characteristics of panthers Florida panthers resemble the cougars and pumas found in the American West, with beige or tan fur and white markings underneath.
—CBS News, 3 Mar. 2025
Its partner is more drab, with tan and gray stripes on its head and brown streaks through its white throat.
—Donna L. Maney, Scientific American, 18 Feb. 2025
Noun
Unlike some of its relatives, which are often brown or tan, lion’s mane is bright white when fresh.
—Scott Travers, Forbes, 26 Feb. 2025
The design is depicted in tan and cream for the handle @aseverofficial.
—Janine Henni, People.com, 20 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for tan
Cite this Entry
“Tan.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tan. Accessed 9 Mar. 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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