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
And given this is in part a measure of colour, pigment, the thumb is less likely to be affected by sun tanning or sun burn than a more outwards-facing area.
—
Andrew Williams, Forbes.com, 10 July 2025
Use it by the pool, on the lawn, patio, or anywhere else in the backyard for sun tanning, reading, or taking a restful nap.
—Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 July 2025
Unprotected exposure to ultraviolet radiation: The majority of melanoma cases are attributed to ultraviolet radiation from the sun or indoor tanning devices.
—Anna Giorgi, Verywell Health, 9 July 2025
This natural, express tanning mousse takes home tanning to a whole new level.
—Kristen Philipkoski, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
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Andrew Williams, Forbes.com, 10 July 2025
Use it by the pool, on the lawn, patio, or anywhere else in the backyard for sun tanning, reading, or taking a restful nap.
—Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 July 2025
Unprotected exposure to ultraviolet radiation: The majority of melanoma cases are attributed to ultraviolet radiation from the sun or indoor tanning devices.
—Anna Giorgi, Verywell Health, 9 July 2025
This natural, express tanning mousse takes home tanning to a whole new level.
—Kristen Philipkoski, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for tanning
Cite this Entry
“Tanning.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tanning. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
tanning
noun
tan·ning
ˈtan-iŋ 
: a browning of the skin by exposure to sun
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