tan

1 of 4

verb

tanned; tanning

transitive verb

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
3

intransitive verb

: to get or become tan

tan

2 of 4

adjective

tanner; tannest
1
: of the color tan
2
: of, relating to, or used for tan or tanning

tan

3 of 4

noun

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)

tan

4 of 4

abbreviation

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
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
This wasp builds tan paper nests containing several hundred workers in hollow trees, walls, and attics. Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 20 June 2025 The pair recreated the pose in the second photo, with Zee wearing his same tan suit and Wee wearing her exact V-neck wedding dress and similar purple flower crown. Ashlyn Robinette, People.com, 17 June 2025
Noun
The women’s tans, generally spray-ons, are maintained through memberships at Palm Beach Tan and Planet Tan in Dallas. Emily Krauser, People.com, 21 June 2025 Four to six hours Pros: Lightweight, easy to mix in a moisturizer, lasts multiple days after application Cons: May not be suitable for sensitive skin This product came out on top in our testing thanks to its versatility and ability to offer both an immediate radiance and a longer-lasting tan. Alanna Martine Kilkeary, Glamour, 18 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for tan

Word History

Etymology

Verb

Middle English tannen, from Anglo-French tanner, from Medieval Latin tannare, from tanum, tannum tanbark

Noun

French, tanbark, from Old French, from Medieval Latin tanum

First Known Use

Verb

13th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 2a

Adjective

1586, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Noun

1674, in the meaning defined at sense 4

Time Traveler
The first known use of tan was in the 13th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Tan.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tan. Accessed 30 Jun. 2025.

Kids 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 noun
1
: a brown color given to the skin especially by exposure to the sun
2
: a light yellowish brown
tannish
ˈtan-ish
adjective

Medical Definition

tan

1 of 2 verb
tanned; tanning

transitive verb

: to make (skin) tan especially by exposure to the sun

intransitive verb

: to get or become tanned

tan

2 of 2 noun
: a brown color imparted to the skin by exposure to the sun or wind

More from Merriam-Webster on tan

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!