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

Her own mom, who shaped her initial unhealthy tanning habits. — Nicholas Rice, PEOPLE, 26 July 2026

The unlimited plan is $102, which grants full access to amenities including UV tanning, spray tan, red light sauna and many more. — Rashad Alexander, Kansas City Star, 22 July 2026

What’s clear is that Melanotan II is not simply a tanning drug— but is representative of a much larger peptide public health concern. — Robert Glatter, Forbes.com, 22 July 2026

For those of us who are reckoning with our youthful tanning exploits, however, the idea of wearing an oil formula in place of a cream or lotion seems like the antithesis of sun safety. — Kara Nesvig, Allure, 20 July 2026

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
• 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