1 C1 informal
For a suntan to develop evenly across the whole body or for uneven tan lines to fade and blend.
"After two weeks at the beach, her tan had finally tanned out and there were no more pale patches."
inseparable
tan out
C1 informal inseparable intransitive
To develop a tan evenly over the entire body, or for a tan to spread or even out across the skin.
In plain English
When your skin colour becomes evenly brown from the sun all over.
What does "tan out" mean?
One main meaning — here's how to use it.
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To tan all the way out — evenly and completely.
Actually means
When your skin colour becomes evenly brown from the sun all over.
Usage tip
A relatively uncommon and informal expression. Mostly used in casual conversation about sunbathing or skin tone changes. Can also describe the process of leather being tanned evenly throughout.
Words that pair with "tan out"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
skin evenly beach summer body
How to conjugate "tan out"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
tan out
I/you/we/they
3rd person
tans out
he/she/it
Past simple
taned out
yesterday
Past participle
taned out
have + pp
-ing form
taning out
continuous
Hear "tan out" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "tan out" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
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