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
Nana Regueiro, Vogue, 2 July 2025
This was a tall order, since leather that’s traditionally tanned is very much designed to resist biodegradation, as millenia-old shoes that have been unearthed by archaeologists can attest.
—Jasmin Malik Chua, Sourcing Journal, 2 July 2025
Michael Nied, People.com, 2 July 2025
Some formulas have a tan or peachy hue that’s designed to offset a potential white cast, while others come in a variety of shades to match your complexion as closely as possible and offer a little coverage.
—Jessica Kasparian, SELF, 25 June 2025
Mariana Best, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 June 2025
Free People Madison City denim jacket: $128 Denim doesn’t always have to be blue and this Free People Madison City jacket offers a relaxed and effortless look in colors like olive and tan.
—Jené Luciani Sena
May Earn A Commission If You Buy Through Our Referral Links. This Content Was Created By A Team That Works Independently From The Fox Newsroom., FOXNews.com, 20 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for tan
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Verb
While pale skin once signaled status, white women eventually gained the freedom to tan—and to return to that paleness when the trend passed.
—Nana Regueiro, Vogue, 2 July 2025
This was a tall order, since leather that’s traditionally tanned is very much designed to resist biodegradation, as millenia-old shoes that have been unearthed by archaeologists can attest.
—Jasmin Malik Chua, Sourcing Journal, 2 July 2025
Adjective
Last year, Grohl paired a navy suit with tan shoes and a yellow tie, finishing off the outfit with a pair of dark sunglasses.
—Michael Nied, People.com, 2 July 2025
Some formulas have a tan or peachy hue that’s designed to offset a potential white cast, while others come in a variety of shades to match your complexion as closely as possible and offer a little coverage.
—Jessica Kasparian, SELF, 25 June 2025
Noun
Available in tan or green, the all-season quilt combines linen, rayon, and brushed polyester for ventilation, durability, and comfort to keep you cool and look good doing it.
—Mariana Best, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 June 2025
Free People Madison City denim jacket: $128 Denim doesn’t always have to be blue and this Free People Madison City jacket offers a relaxed and effortless look in colors like olive and tan.
—Jené Luciani Sena
May Earn A Commission If You Buy Through Our Referral Links. This Content Was Created By A Team That Works Independently From The Fox Newsroom., FOXNews.com, 20 June 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 18 Jul. 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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