# tanning

/ˈtænɪŋ/ (US) · /tˈænɪŋ/ (UK) · CEFR B1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/tanning
Updated: 2026-05-06

## Definition

the process of making your skin darker by sitting in the sun or using a special machine. It can also mean the process of turning animal skins into leather.

For teachers: the process of darkening the skin through exposure to ultraviolet radiation, or the industrial process of converting animal hides into leather.

## Examples

- She spent the afternoon tanning at the beach.
- Many health experts warn against excessive tanning due to the increased risk of skin damage and long-term health issues.
- The traditional method of tanning involves soaking raw hides in vegetable tannins for several weeks to produce a durable, flexible leather suitable for high-end goods.

## Usage notes

- Uncountable when referring to the skin-darkening process or the industrial leather-making process.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.