suntan

noun

sun·​tan ˈsən-ˌtan How to pronounce suntan (audio)
1
: a browning of the skin from exposure to the rays of the sun
2
suntans plural : a tan-colored summer uniform
suntanned adjective

Examples of suntan in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Bonanno, known as Joe Bananas, was a rugged-looking, handsome New Yorker who picked up his suntans in Arizona and had an empire that reportedly had interests on several continents. Mary Zahn and Bill Janz, Journal Sentinel, 17 Jan. 2024 The novel has a slow start, with too many descriptions of clothing, make-up, suntans, Volkswagen Beetles, and Barbie dolls. Diane Scharper, National Review, 21 Dec. 2023 But the return of pleasant weather this year could bring more than suntans as the deluges provided fertile ground for mosquitoes. oregonlive, 7 Apr. 2023 Put another way, to say rising prices cause inflation is like saying suntans cause the sun to shine. John Tamny, Forbes, 19 Feb. 2023 No one comes to Italy for a suntan, anyway. Town & Country, 14 Dec. 2022 Most people come home from Mexico with a suntan and a T-shirt. Nancy Armour, USA TODAY, 19 Feb. 2023 Your next trip should be: Italy Off-Season… Because at the end of the day, no one comes to Italy for a suntan. Town & Country, 14 Dec. 2022 Fresh from a detox retreat in Turkey, her unapologetic suntan is intensified by antique turquoise jewelry and that bright, crooked smile. Emma Elwick-Bates, Vogue, 31 Aug. 2022

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'suntan.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1809, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of suntan was in 1809

Dictionary Entries Near suntan

Cite this Entry

“Suntan.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/suntan. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

suntan

noun
sun·​tan -ˌtan How to pronounce suntan (audio)
: a browning of the skin from being exposed to the rays of the sun
suntanned adjective

Medical Definition

suntan

noun
sun·​tan -ˌtan How to pronounce suntan (audio)
: a browning of the skin from exposure to the rays of the sun
suntanned adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on suntan

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