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
Sink went into a tanning bed Friday, his family told NBC affiliate WTHR of Indianapolis.
—
Marlene Lenthang, NBC News, 13 Nov. 2024
Of all the questionable beauty trends to return recently, tanning is one of the most frightening.
—Tori Crowther, refinery29.com, 21 May 2024
The gas is typically used in oil and gas refining, mining, tanning and paper processing.
—Anthony Robledo, USA TODAY, 11 Oct. 2024
Even artificial tanning methods, like tanning beds or spray tans, can leave you vulnerable to UV exposure.
—Katie Liu, Discover Magazine, 7 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for tanning 
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.
Marlene Lenthang, NBC News, 13 Nov. 2024
Of all the questionable beauty trends to return recently, tanning is one of the most frightening.
—Tori Crowther, refinery29.com, 21 May 2024
The gas is typically used in oil and gas refining, mining, tanning and paper processing.
—Anthony Robledo, USA TODAY, 11 Oct. 2024
Even artificial tanning methods, like tanning beds or spray tans, can leave you vulnerable to UV exposure.
—Katie Liu, Discover Magazine, 7 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for tanning
Dictionary Entries Near tanning
Cite this Entry
“Tanning.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tanning. Accessed 26 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
tanning
noun
tan·ning
ˈtan-iŋ 
: a browning of the skin by exposure to sun
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share