English-English Dictionary

Meaning of the word tan in English

What does tan mean in English? Explore the meaning, pronunciation, and specific usage of this word with Lingoland.

tan

US /tæn/
UK /tæn/
"tan" picture

Noun

1.

a yellowish-brown color

Example:
•
The walls were painted a light tan.
•
She wore a dress in a beautiful shade of tan.
Synonym:
beige fawn buff khaki
2.

a brownish discoloration of the skin caused by exposure to the sun

Example:
•
She got a nice tan on her vacation.
•
He tried to get an even tan all over his body.
Synonym:
suntan bronze

Verb

1.

to make or become brown by exposure to the sun

Example:
•
She likes to tan on the beach every summer.
•
The sun quickly tanned his skin.
Synonym:
sunbathe bronze
2.

to convert animal hide into leather by steeping in a solution of tannin or by treating with other chemicals

Example:
•
The factory used traditional methods to tan the animal skins.
•
It takes a long process to properly tan leather.
Synonym:
cure process dress

Adjective

having a yellowish-brown color

Example:
•
He wore a tan suit to the wedding.
•
The old leather bag had a beautiful, worn tan finish.
Synonym:
beige fawn buff khaki
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Related Word:
tanned tanning