tan

verb

Save Word

\ ˈtan

tanned; tanning

Definition of tan

(Entry 1 of 4)

transitive verb

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

2a : 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 : thrash, whip

intransitive verb

: to get or become tan

tan

adjective

tanner; tannest

Definition of tan (Entry 2 of 4)

1 : of the color tan

2 : of, relating to, or used for tan or tanning

tan

noun

Definition of tan (Entry 3 of 4)

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

abbreviation

Definition of tan (Entry 4 of 4)

tangent

Synonyms Example Sentences Phrases Containing tan Learn More About tan

Examples of tan in a Sentence

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: Verb In baseball, however, teams may tan to get a higher percentage share of league revenue at the end of the season. — Khristopher J. Brooks, CBS News, 1 Mar. 2022 They tan, parade and snuggle in their bikinis, trunks and whatnot. — Los Angeles Times, 15 Oct. 2021 And there's different instances of the normal story of the different hair and going swimming, that black people don't tan; that's huge in Florida. — Dawn Ennis, Forbes, 19 June 2021 Two or three yolks (no egg whites included) are enough to tan something small like a rabbit pelt. — Tim Macwelch, Outdoor Life, 24 Dec. 2020 The brain of every game animal contains the perfect volume and balance of conditioning oils to tan its own hide. — Tim Macwelch, Outdoor Life, 24 Dec. 2020 The materials that go into this bag are Leather Working Group Gold-certified, meaning the leather is tanned in the highest level of compliance with sustainable measures, such as energy and water consumption, waste management, and effluent treatment. — Camryn Rabideau, USA TODAY, 21 Apr. 2020 Sicilian blood works like the sun, tanning the flesh from the inside out. — Lisa Taddeo, Harper's Magazine, 30 Mar. 2020 Perma-tanned and with long, floppy hair, Waugh developed a reputation among some Deutsche Bank colleagues for being a bit of a lightweight. — New York Times, 4 Feb. 2020 Recent Examples on the Web: Adjective These preparations blanch the normally deep burgundy tissue to pale fleshy color that’s not quite tan and not quite pink. — Brenda Goodman, CNN, 13 May 2022 Unlike other self-tan products, these face drops also happen to smell amazing, like an island getaway. — Rana Good, Forbes, 31 Jan. 2022 Bolduc estimated the mission cost the state approximately $500,000 for trooper salaries, travel expenses and items such as greenish-tan uniforms that are standard in Texas. — Grant Schulte, Star Tribune, 22 July 2021 Outside the cage, Marlee Breese, dressed in a tan Hawaiian shirt with pink and yellow flowers, takes a small vitamin and stuffs it down the throat of a thawing five-centimeter-long fish called a lake smelt. — Melody Bentz, Smithsonian Magazine, 8 July 2021 The chicken should be falling off the bone and become quite tan as well. — Washington Post, 9 Mar. 2021 There's a tan-colored fence surrounding the vast, mostly empty, cemetery. — AZCentral.com, 17 Dec. 2020 Three men wearing only tan-colored briefs kneel on the stage. — Tim Diovanni, Dallas News, 12 Nov. 2020 Trademark farmer tans and sock line tan lines – big time! — Susan Glaser, cleveland, 3 May 2020 Recent Examples on the Web: Noun These super soft styles come in classic neutrals like black, beige, and a deeper tan, as well as fresh, summery shades like dusty orchid, aqua, desert rose, and so many more. — Jennifer Chan, PEOPLE.com, 12 July 2022 As cosmetic chemist Ginger King previously explained to Allure, DHA reacts with the amino acids on the top layer of the skin to provide a gradual tan. — Angela Trakoshis, Allure, 13 July 2022 Leave it on for two hours for a minimal bronze, or go more dramatic with your faux tan by leaving it on your skin for three hours. — Jennifer Hussein, Allure, 12 July 2022 The two share similar tan and brown colorings, and gopher snakes will often hiss or vibrate their tails when threatened, according to the wildlife division. — Paighten Harkins, The Salt Lake Tribune, 3 June 2022 DiMarchi loves this mask for lightening your tan and providing a gentle exfoliation. — ELLE, 22 Apr. 2022 The sparkling tan and brown puzzle-piece pattern curved and dipped out of the light. — Rebecca Renner, Outside Online, 14 May 2020 The bag features either black or tan leather trim, protective feet on the bottom, and two exterior pockets, plus another two pockets inside the spacious main compartment. — Rachel Klein, Popular Mechanics, 24 June 2022 Everything from your seatbelt in your car to putting your bag on your shoulder could ruin your tan and cause transferring. — Jailynn Taylor, Essence, 3 June 2022 See More

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'tan.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.