What does suntan mean?
A suntan is the brownish or bronzed coloration that skin develops after exposure to sunlight. As a noun, it can refer to the coloration itself, as in “a deep suntan,” or informally to the process of acquiring it: “She went to the beach to get a suntan.” As a verb, to suntan means to become browned by the sun, usually gradually. The word is most common in everyday British and American English and is frequently associated with summer holidays, beaches, outdoor work, and tanning products. Although a suntan may look healthy, it is still a sign of ultraviolet exposure and does not mean the skin has been protected from sun damage.
The brown or bronzed coloration of skin caused by exposure to sunlight.
"She had a lovely suntan after her holiday."
Often used in contexts involving summer, beaches, or tanning products.
To become brown or bronzed through exposure to sunlight.
"Her skin suntans quickly during the summer."
Usually means to acquire a tan gradually; the verb can also refer to deliberate tanning.
The plural is used for multiple instances of a tan or for multiple tanning treatments.
"The resort offers several suntans in a range of shades."
A suntan is skin’s visible record of sunlight, while a sunburn is the painful warning that the exposure went too far.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does suntan come from?
“Suntan” is a compound formed from “sun” and “tan,” combining the source of the coloration with the term for browning through exposure to light or heat. The compound developed in the late nineteenth century, when tanning became a familiar social and leisure activity. Its components belong to older Germanic and Romance word families, respectively, and the compound reflects the long-standing English association between tanning and the color of skin or leather.
Related word forms
How suntan is actually used
The noun and verb are common in informal and everyday English. The expression can also describe an artificially produced tan, as in “fake suntan.”
Easily confused with suntan
A suntan is the gradual browning of skin after sun exposure, whereas a sunburn is inflammation and damage to the skin caused by excessive ultraviolet radiation.