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
Julian McKenzie, New York Times, 8 Jan. 2026
Simply add a few pumps to a tanning mitt and use long sweeping motions all over your body, and leave it on for a minimum of six hours.
—Lily Wohlner, Allure, 28 Dec. 2025
Rosalio Ahumada, Sacbee.com, 8 Jan. 2026
The high ceiling restaurant with gray, tan and cream finishes feels a bit like a boardroom.
—Sarah Blaskovich, Dallas Morning News, 8 Jan. 2026
Hannah Malach, InStyle, 8 Jan. 2026
According to the news release, Gray was last seen wearing an all blue sweatsuit and tan boots.
—Kendrick Calfee, Kansas City Star, 6 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for tan
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Verb
Senators captain Brady Tkachuk — still tanned after returning from summer break — addressed the media to discuss the season ahead and eventually offered his two cents on changing NHL fashion.
—Adjective
He was last seen wearing a tan coat, maroon sweats pants and blue-and-white Nike shoes.
—Noun
In the clip, Jenner sported a white plunging bra top, as well as tan eyeshadow, pops of pink blush, and nude lip liner.
—Cite this Entry
“Tan.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tan. Accessed 13 Jan. 2026.
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 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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