Pronunciation

/tæn/

Definitions

Noun

• Tan (noun): A suntan or a brownish discoloration of the skin resulting from exposure to sunlight or artificial UV radiation.
• Tan leather: A type of leather with a brown, sun-baked appearance.

Verb

• To tan (verb):
  • (1) To darken or brown one’s skin through exposure to sunlight or tanning beds.
  • (2) (transitive) To treat leather or fabric with chemicals to give it a brownish color.

Adjective

• Tan (adjective): Having a brownish-yellow color, typically associated with sun-baked skin or leather.

Phrases

• “Get a tan” means to deliberately expose oneself to sunlight to achieve a suntan.
• “Maintain a tan” refers to keeping a suntan after initial exposure.
• “Tan lines” are the lighter or darker patches on the skin where clothing covers during sun exposure.

Example Sentences

• Noun: “After spending a week at the beach, her skin had a beautiful tan.”
• Verb: “She decided to tan naturally by going for daily walks in the park.”
• Adjective: “The leather sofa had a rich, tan patina from years of use.”

Synonyms

• Browned (for skin)
• Leathered (for leather)
• Sunburnt (negative connotation)
• Bronzed (for a desired suntan)
• Faded tan (implying loss of color)