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
According to the house, the new version in washed and vegetable-tanned leather boasts lighter hardware, an adjustable shoulder strap and a single-zip opening. Miles Socha, Footwear News, 24 Sep. 2025 The resulting leather sheets are tanned using natural vegetable processes. Alexandra Harrell, Sourcing Journal, 10 Sep. 2025
Adjective
Keep it neutral with classic black or tan, or add a fun pop of color to your fall wardrobe with options like blue or orange. Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 26 Sep. 2025 At a recent Kiss of the Spider Woman screening, the 56-year-old superstar leaned into the fall style with an outfit from luxury brand Harithand, pairing a tan floor-length skirt with a matching wrap coat in a gorgeous crepe material. Jeaneen Russell, PEOPLE, 23 Sep. 2025
Noun
Stars like Katie Holmes, Lindsay Lohan, and Jessica Alba are proof that the evergreen coat is here to stay, especially in wear-with-anything neutrals like tan and chocolate brown. Ali Faccenda, PEOPLE, 25 Sep. 2025 The warm, mid-tone tan brings to mind a fresh canvas or a timeless piece of workwear, while also feeling luxe—a tricky balance to strike just right. Tim Nelson, Architectural Digest, 24 Sep. 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 29 Sep. 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

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