1 B2 informal
To develop a suntan, especially deliberately, by spending time in the sun or using a tanning product.
"She spent every afternoon on the balcony to tan up before the wedding."
inseparable
tan up
B2 informal inseparable intransitive
To develop a suntan by spending time in the sun or using artificial tanning methods.
In plain English
To get your skin to go brown by being in the sun.
What does "tan up" mean?
One main meaning — here's how to use it.
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To tan up to a higher level of colour.
Actually means
To get your skin to go brown by being in the sun.
Usage tip
Casual, informal expression used in everyday conversation. Often used when someone is deliberately seeking a tan before a holiday or event. Can also be used reflexively or with an object in some dialects.
Words that pair with "tan up"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
beach holiday summer quickly poolside nicely
How to conjugate "tan up"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
tan up
I/you/we/they
3rd person
tans up
he/she/it
Past simple
taned up
yesterday
Past participle
taned up
have + pp
-ing form
taning up
continuous
Hear "tan up" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "tan up" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Keep exploring
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