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
Will Porter, Outside, 17 Oct. 2025
At a tannery, the raw animal hide goes through a series of chemical and mechanical treatments to remove hair, fat and flesh before a tanning agent is added to the hide to prevent it from decaying.
—Mars King, Twin Cities, 15 Oct. 2025
Hannah Sacks, PEOPLE, 24 Oct. 2025
In London, Di Petsa recreated the look of sandy beaches with two tan denim frocks, embellished with frayed seams and hems.
—Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 22 Oct. 2025
Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 20 Oct. 2025
This dachshund, characterized by its soft, long hair and distinct chocolate-and-tan coloring, has drawn particular affection from viewers not just for its adorable appearance but also for its seemingly earnest participation in household responsibilities.
—Melissa Fleur Afshar, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for tan
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Verb
Each pair is made in the USA with leather tanned at SB Foot in Red Wing, Minnesota.
—Will Porter, Outside, 17 Oct. 2025
At a tannery, the raw animal hide goes through a series of chemical and mechanical treatments to remove hair, fat and flesh before a tanning agent is added to the hide to prevent it from decaying.
—Mars King, Twin Cities, 15 Oct. 2025
Adjective
Carmen wore a gray hoodie and blue jeans, accessorizing with black flip-flops and a tan bag.
—Hannah Sacks, PEOPLE, 24 Oct. 2025
In London, Di Petsa recreated the look of sandy beaches with two tan denim frocks, embellished with frayed seams and hems.
—Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 22 Oct. 2025
Noun
The larvae are usually about an 1/8-inch long, tan and covered in hairy bristles.
—Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 20 Oct. 2025
This dachshund, characterized by its soft, long hair and distinct chocolate-and-tan coloring, has drawn particular affection from viewers not just for its adorable appearance but also for its seemingly earnest participation in household responsibilities.
—Melissa Fleur Afshar, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 Oct. 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 29 Oct. 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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