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
Jenny Berg, Vogue, 2 June 2025
Previous Repeal Efforts The tanning tax was intended not only to raise revenue but also to discourage the use of indoor tanning beds.
—Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes.com, 23 May 2025
Erik Shilling, Robb Report, 6 June 2025
Those signs of soft stools that often look like tan cow feces, insatiable appetite accompanied by weight loss, and negative tests for parasites, matched with no resolution using various medications and diets.
—Dr. John De Jong, Boston Herald, 1 June 2025
Bruce Y. Lee, Forbes.com, 18 May 2025
With his deep tan, blinding smile and He-Man haircut, Cruise surely looked the part of a kid’s favorite toy.
—Kyle Buchanan, New York Times, 15 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for tan
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Verb
Give the bottle a good shake, then pump the airy mousse onto your tanning mitt.
—Jenny Berg, Vogue, 2 June 2025
Previous Repeal Efforts The tanning tax was intended not only to raise revenue but also to discourage the use of indoor tanning beds.
—Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes.com, 23 May 2025
Adjective
The color is called Martini Silver, like the Count Rossi 917; inside, there is tan leather and Alcantara, which is similar to the Count Rossi 917.
—Erik Shilling, Robb Report, 6 June 2025
Those signs of soft stools that often look like tan cow feces, insatiable appetite accompanied by weight loss, and negative tests for parasites, matched with no resolution using various medications and diets.
—Dr. John De Jong, Boston Herald, 1 June 2025
Noun
Normally, the way to get a tan is to have sun exposure stimulate these melanocytes to churn out more melanin.
—Bruce Y. Lee, Forbes.com, 18 May 2025
With his deep tan, blinding smile and He-Man haircut, Cruise surely looked the part of a kid’s favorite toy.
—Kyle Buchanan, New York Times, 15 May 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 13 Jun. 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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