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

This natural, express tanning mousse takes home tanning to a whole new level. —Kristen Philipkoski, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025

While the highest ratings indeed signify the most sun exposure, the UV index (UVI) wasn’t created as a tanning forecast. —Beth Ann Mayer, Parents, 11 June 2025

As a safer alternative, many people opt for sunless tanning methods such as fake tan products or sprays. —Lucy Notarantonio, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 June 2025

Archeologists have previously discovered human brains preserved in a variety of ways, including drying, freezing and tanning. —Elizabeth Weise, USA TODAY, 28 Feb. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Phrases Containing tanning

• tanning bed
• tanning booth

Rhymes for tanning

• panning
• planing
• planning
• scanning
• spanning
• preplanning
• replanning
• scintiscanning

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