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
Jolie Kerr, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 Dec. 2025
His hobbies include playing traditional Native American lacrosse, participating in powwows and tanning deer hides.
—Mary Divine, Twin Cities, 27 Nov. 2025
Josh Wood, Louisville Courier Journal, 12 Dec. 2025
Timberland Brimfield Chelsea Boots Switch up your look with this beautiful, tan pair of Timberland Brimfield Chelsea Boots that just went on sale for a whopping 53 percent off.
—Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 12 Dec. 2025
Joe Lynch, Billboard, 10 Dec. 2025
Yellow and reds can cut through the otherwise tans and browns of the surrounding landscape.
—Markis Hill, Kansas City Star, 6 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for tan
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Verb
Some types of leather, such as raw or vegetable-tanned leather, should not be cleaned using standard methods and products.
—Jolie Kerr, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 Dec. 2025
His hobbies include playing traditional Native American lacrosse, participating in powwows and tanning deer hides.
—Mary Divine, Twin Cities, 27 Nov. 2025
Adjective
The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office is phasing out its tan vehicles in favor of new ones with a black color scheme.
—Josh Wood, Louisville Courier Journal, 12 Dec. 2025
Timberland Brimfield Chelsea Boots Switch up your look with this beautiful, tan pair of Timberland Brimfield Chelsea Boots that just went on sale for a whopping 53 percent off.
—Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 12 Dec. 2025
Noun
Located about 30 minutes from the capital of Manama (right next to the country’s Formula One racetrack), Beyon Al Dana takes full advantage of the luminous tans and yellows of the desert, both for aesthetic and sustainability reasons.
—Joe Lynch, Billboard, 10 Dec. 2025
Yellow and reds can cut through the otherwise tans and browns of the surrounding landscape.
—Markis Hill, Kansas City Star, 6 Dec. 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 16 Dec. 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
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