tan
verb (used with object)
to convert (a hide) into leather, especially by soaking or steeping in a bath prepared from tanbark or synthetically.
tanned
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past participleof tan.past participle
A verb form used in perfect and passive verb constructions and that can also function as a modifier.
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past tense formof tan.past tense
Used to describe completed actions or previous habitual actions.
tanverb (used with object)to convert (a hide) into leather, especially by soaking or steeping in a bath prepared from tanbark or synthetically.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
On the other, he’s a former reality-TV host with an unnaturally tanned face who dances to the Village People’s “Y.M.C.A.”
From Slate ● Nov. 3, 2026
Very much like an election, in other words, only one populated with women who were scalpel-sculpted, lifted, tanned and tucked to surgical specifications.
From Salon ● Oct. 1, 2026
NANTUCKET, Mass.—On a recent morning, a tanned Dave Portnoy appeared to be living his best rich-guy life.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 27, 2026
The victim described the attacker to police as "white, olive skinned and tanned", a "muscular build" and "a shiny, hairless chest", Price said.
From BBC ● Mar. 4, 2026
He stretched out his legs and admired his tanned feet.
From "Homecoming" by Cynthia Voigt
