suntan

noun

sun·​tan ˈsən-ˌtan How to pronounce suntan (audio)
1
: a browning of the skin from exposure to the rays of the sun
2
suntans plural : a tan-colored summer uniform
suntanned adjective

Examples of suntan in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Weeks after the vacation has ended and suntans have faded away, that earworm will still be playing in their heads. Julia Buckley, CNN Money, 4 Aug. 2025 Diving deeper, the team cut through the lichen, finding that the top layer was darker, almost like a suntan in humans. Robert Lea, Space.com, 26 June 2025 After a long day in the water, the palm trees and powdery sand provide the perfect spot to enjoy a good book or suntan session. Acacia Gabriel, Travel + Leisure, 13 June 2025 Marker, who also surfs, plays guitar and rides motorcycles, is 63 going on 16, with silver hair and a skate-park suntan. Deborah Vankin, Los Angeles Times, 2 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for suntan

Word History

First Known Use

1809, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of suntan was in 1809

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Suntan.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/suntan. Accessed 21 Aug. 2025.

Kids Definition

suntan

noun
sun·​tan -ˌtan How to pronounce suntan (audio)
: a browning of the skin from being exposed to the rays of the sun
suntanned adjective

Medical Definition

suntan

noun
sun·​tan -ˌtan How to pronounce suntan (audio)
: a browning of the skin from exposure to the rays of the sun
suntanned adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on suntan

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!