tanning

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

Examples of tanning in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

According to Bethany Menzel, co-founder and creative director of Saltyface, transparent tanning products that develop gradually are the way to go for an everyday glow that’s easy to maintain. — Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 22 June 2026

The skin produces more melanin when exposed to the sun – that’s what tanning is. — Guy German, Fortune, 21 June 2026

Treatments include hot pools and steam rooms, wax wraps and tanning barrels, plus hearty healthy meals. — Cecilia Rodriguez, Forbes.com, 18 June 2026

The skin produces more melanin when exposed to the sun – that’s what tanning is. — Guy German, The Conversation, 18 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

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