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
Alanna Martine Kilkeary, Glamour, 18 June 2025
Up to 12 people can be seated at the indoor dining table, but the outdoor area is equally spacious, encompassing a spacious pool, tanning decks, and fire pits.
—Kristine Hansen, Architectural Digest, 10 June 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
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.
Verb
It’s infused with vitamin E and red algae to brighten the skin, and has an instant tanning effect that works to blur areas of redness or sun spots.
—Alanna Martine Kilkeary, Glamour, 18 June 2025
Up to 12 people can be seated at the indoor dining table, but the outdoor area is equally spacious, encompassing a spacious pool, tanning decks, and fire pits.
—Kristine Hansen, Architectural Digest, 10 June 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 23 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share