spray tan
noun
plural spray tans
: a simulated suntan produced by darkening the skin with a sprayed-on chemical preparation
There's no doubt that, when choosing between a spray tan and actual tanning, the former is a much safer way to achieve a summer glow.—
Zoë Weiner
Zoë WeinerSomeone gave me a gift certificate for a spray tan a few years ago. It left me golden brown with a just a hint of orange, but had an unpleasant odor to it.—Lori Borgman
Lori Borgman
also
: the chemical preparation used to produce a spray tan
Pantyhose are making a comeback! … We might have Kate Middleton to thank for that, or women could have just gotten really tired of applying spray tan to their legs during winter. —Jennifer Wright
Jennifer Wright Examples of spray tan in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Long and solid false eyelashes should be avoided, as should spray tans that are too dark, have orange tones or overuse contouring and highlighting.
—Emily Krauser, People.com, 21 June 2025
Advertisement In the series, Megan points out that the cheerleaders get some services like hair styling and spray tans, as part of the job.
—Olivia B. Waxman, Time, 18 June 2025
Dermatologists strongly advise using safer alternatives like self-tanners or spray tans to avoid the health risks associated with UV exposure.
—Lydia Patrick, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 May 2025
There’s nothing to be nervous about going into a spray tan.
—Catharine Malzahn, Glamour, 5 June 2025
One is via a spray tan that isn’t supposed to go up your nose or in your eyes, mouth or any other opening in your body for that matter.
—Bruce Y. Lee, Forbes.com, 18 May 2025
Earle tried on a few more looks before taking the vlog to the hair salon to lighten her blonde locks, followed by a spray tan and sushi dinner back at her apartment with friends.
—Skyler Caruso, People.com, 17 Apr. 2025
Similarly, lifestyle blogger Cara Loren went viral for her flawless spray tan and has since founded the workout app Burn as well as her own athleisure line, Cara Loren Active.
—Anneke Knot, Glamour, 14 May 2025
The industry has also faced growing competition from alternatives like spray tans and tanning lotions.
—Bailey Schulz, USA TODAY, 8 Mar. 2025
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
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Emily Krauser, People.com, 21 June 2025
Advertisement In the series, Megan points out that the cheerleaders get some services like hair styling and spray tans, as part of the job.
—Olivia B. Waxman, Time, 18 June 2025
Dermatologists strongly advise using safer alternatives like self-tanners or spray tans to avoid the health risks associated with UV exposure.
—Lydia Patrick, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 May 2025
There’s nothing to be nervous about going into a spray tan.
—Catharine Malzahn, Glamour, 5 June 2025
One is via a spray tan that isn’t supposed to go up your nose or in your eyes, mouth or any other opening in your body for that matter.
—Bruce Y. Lee, Forbes.com, 18 May 2025
Earle tried on a few more looks before taking the vlog to the hair salon to lighten her blonde locks, followed by a spray tan and sushi dinner back at her apartment with friends.
—Skyler Caruso, People.com, 17 Apr. 2025
Similarly, lifestyle blogger Cara Loren went viral for her flawless spray tan and has since founded the workout app Burn as well as her own athleisure line, Cara Loren Active.
—Anneke Knot, Glamour, 14 May 2025
The industry has also faced growing competition from alternatives like spray tans and tanning lotions.
—Bailey Schulz, USA TODAY, 8 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Spray tan.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/spray%20tan. Accessed 27 Jun. 2025.
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