tan

1 of 4

verb

ˈtan 

tanned; tanning

transitive verb

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

3

: thrash, whip

intransitive verb

: to get or become tan

tan

2 of 4

adjective

tanner; tannest

1

: of the color tan

2

: of, relating to, or used for tan or tanning

tan

3 of 4

noun

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)

tan

4 of 4

abbreviation

tangent

Synonyms

Verb

• birch
• cowhide
• flagellate
• flail
• flog
• hide
• horsewhip
• lash
• leather
• rawhide
• scourge
• slash
• switch
• thrash
• whale
• whip

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

Verb

While Johnson represents exciting progress in the tanning industry, the majority of Black women don’t have access to Johnson’s services or tanning salons that specialize in dark skin. —Kyndall Cunningham, Vox, 22 June 2024

Not to tan, but to catch their bread and butter: bugs. —Lila Seidman, Los Angeles Times, 7 Aug. 2024

Adjective

Annual monsoon precipitation maps posted by the University of Arizona Cooperative Extension Service show that since 2000, the region has been far more often bathed in the tan and brown colors indicating subpar rainfall than the green and blue indicating an above-average season. —Brandon Loomis, The Arizona Republic, 22 Sep. 2024

One of our favorite creative directors, June Ambrose, wore her signature tall hat, which she’s known for donning with a tan skirt set and a matching oversized vest. —Kerane Marcellus, Essence, 10 Sep. 2024

Noun

The Neverfull Inside Out MM is available in a combination of classic Monogram and grained leather, in black or tan, in addition to a full textile version that twins coated canvas with the striped fabric lining in the aforementioned red, as well as saffron or vibrant pink. —Joelle Diderich, WWD, 19 Sep. 2024

Keep it neutral with classic black or tan, or add a fun pop of color to your fall wardrobe with options like blue or orange. —Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 13 Sep. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Verb

Middle English tannen, from Anglo-French tanner, from Medieval Latin tannare, from tanum, tannum tanbark

Noun

French, tanbark, from Old French, from Medieval Latin tanum

First Known Use

Verb

13th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 2a

Adjective

1586, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Noun

1674, in the meaning defined at sense 4

Phrases Containing tan

• black and tan
• black-and-tan coonhound
• fan-tan
• spray tan
• tan line
• tan oak
• tan someone's hide

Kids Definition

tan

1 of 3 verb

ˈtan 

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

: thrash sense 2a, whip

tan

2 of 3 adjective

tanner; tannest

: of the color tan

tan

3 of 3 noun

1

: a brown color given to the skin especially by exposure to the sun

2

: a light yellowish brown

tannish

ˈtan-ish

adjective

Medical Definition

tan

1 of 2 verb

ˈtan 

tanned; tanning

transitive verb

: to make (skin) tan especially by exposure to the sun

intransitive verb

: to get or become tanned

tan

2 of 2 noun

: a brown color imparted to the skin by exposure to the sun or wind