tanning

1 of 2

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

tanning

2 of 2

present participle of tan entry 1

Examples of tanning in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

It’s estimated that over 14,500 people will die of skin cancer in the US this year, with melanoma causing the majority — and women under 49 have a higher risk of it than men (thanks to tanning, per Johns Hopkins). — Maggie Ryan, Flow Space, 19 Aug. 2026

The return of tanning, unregulated peptides, and now, exploding mousse? — James Manso, Allure, 17 Aug. 2026

These included tanning, glassmaking, potting, milling, brick-making and shipping facilities. — Matthew Wills, JSTOR Daily, 17 Aug. 2026

This tanning mist can be used alone or blended into your everyday lotion for an even, golden glow. — Alanna Martine Kilkeary, Glamour, 13 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

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