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
Synonyms
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
Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Feb. 2025
Foster was tanned and wearing a pale linen suit, navy loafers, and mustard-yellow socks.
—Ian Parker, The New Yorker, 20 Jan. 2025
Esther Kang, People.com, 31 Jan. 2025
He was described as being in his 40s to 50s and last seen wearing a tan bucket hat, gray hooded sweatshirt, green vest, tan pants and tan boots.
—Nicholas Williams, New York Daily News, 26 Jan. 2025
Claire Hoppe Norgaard, Better Homes & Gardens, 3 Feb. 2025
In keeping with his transformational persona, Barack Obama tried to liven things up with a tan suit, only to scandalize the fusty Washington establishment.
—Alexander Nazaryan, New York Times, 18 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for tan 
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Verb
The second piece of evidence is the deer sin being tanned near the edge of the camp.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Feb. 2025
Foster was tanned and wearing a pale linen suit, navy loafers, and mustard-yellow socks.
—Ian Parker, The New Yorker, 20 Jan. 2025
Adjective
Mack, 67, was fashioned in a long, form-fitting dress with a striped design and a matching tan coat.
—Esther Kang, People.com, 31 Jan. 2025
He was described as being in his 40s to 50s and last seen wearing a tan bucket hat, gray hooded sweatshirt, green vest, tan pants and tan boots.
—Nicholas Williams, New York Daily News, 26 Jan. 2025
Noun
Common neutral colors include white, black, tan, beige, cream, ivory, and gray.
—Claire Hoppe Norgaard, Better Homes & Gardens, 3 Feb. 2025
In keeping with his transformational persona, Barack Obama tried to liven things up with a tan suit, only to scandalize the fusty Washington establishment.
—Alexander Nazaryan, New York Times, 18 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for tan
Dictionary Entries Near tan
Cite this Entry
“Tan.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tan. Accessed 14 Feb. 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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