Meaning & Definition of word "Tan"

Tan

/tæn/

1. A yellowish-brown color.
- Example: The walls were painted a warm tan.
2. A shade of skin color resulting from exposure to sunlight.
- Example: After a week at the beach, she had a deep tan.

1. To make (skin) brown or darker through exposure to sunlight or artificial light.
- Example: She likes to tan by the pool during the summer.
2. To convert animal hides into leather by treating them with tannin or other agents.
- Example: The artisan learned how to tan the leather using traditional methods.

1. Having a brownish color, similar to that of tanned skin.
- Example: He wore a tan jacket that complemented his dark trousers.

Middle English 'tan' meaning to tan leather, from the verb 'tan', referring to the process of curing animal hide.

get a tan:

To become suntanned, usually from spending time in the sun.

tan line:

A lighter line of skin where a tan has not developed, often caused by clothing.

tan your hide:

To scold or punish someone, often humorously.

tanning:

The process of becoming tan or browning skin.

tanner:

A person who tans hides.

tannic:

Relating to tannin, the substance used in tanning leather.

Meaning: To tan someone

Example Sentence: He was tanned for being late to the meeting.

Meaning: Tan as in to defeat decisively.

Example Sentence: They tanned the competition in that game.