tanning

noun

tan·​ning ˈta-niŋ How to pronounce tanning (audio)
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The separating of those eggs was all done by hand, by women employees, and the yolks were sent to use in leather tanning, or to bakers. Anika Burgess july 17, Literary Hub, 17 July 2025 In addition to no tax on tips and no tax on overtime, the bill would also repeal federal excise taxes on gun silencers and tanning services. Jay O'Brien, ABC News, 5 June 2025 One proposal calls for repealing the excise tax on indoor tanning services, which was originally implemented to help fund the ACA and discourage the use of indoor tanning. Martha McHardy, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 May 2025 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 See All Example Sentences for tanning

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of tanning was in the 15th century

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Cite this Entry

“Tanning.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tanning. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

tanning

noun
tan·​ning
ˈtan-iŋ
1
: the art or process by which an animal skin is tanned
2
: a browning of the skin especially by exposure to the sun
3
: a usually severe whipping

Medical Definition

tanning

noun
tan·​ning ˈtan-iŋ How to pronounce tanning (audio)
: a browning of the skin by exposure to sun

More from Merriam-Webster on tanning

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