Meaning & Definition of word "Tan"
Tan
/tæn/
noun:
- 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.
verb:
- 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.
adjective:
- 1. Having a brownish color, similar to that of tanned skin.
- Example: He wore a tan jacket that complemented his dark trousers.
Etymology
●Middle English 'tan' meaning to tan leather, from the verb 'tan', referring to the process of curing animal hide.
Common Phrases and Expressions
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.
Related Words
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.
Slang Meanings of tan
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.