suntan: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Medium-highInformal, everyday
Quick answer
What does “suntan” mean?
A browning of the skin resulting from exposure to the sun.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A browning of the skin resulting from exposure to the sun.
The browning effect itself; a product (like lotion or oil) applied to help achieve this effect; figuratively, a sign of leisure or holiday.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in core meaning. The compound noun 'suntan lotion' is slightly more common in UK English, while 'sunscreen' or 'sunblock' are more frequent protective terms in US English. The product 'tanning oil' is more likely to be called 'suntan oil' in the UK.
Connotations
Similar connotations in both varieties. It suggests leisure, holidays, and an active outdoor lifestyle. However, health campaigns in both countries have added strong connotations of skin damage and cancer risk.
Frequency
Comparable frequency. Both use the noun and verb forms commonly.
Grammar
How to Use “suntan” in a Sentence
get a suntanhave a suntandevelop a suntanuse suntan lotionto suntan (verb intransitive)to suntan oneself (verb reflexive)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “suntan” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- We're going to lie out and suntan all afternoon.
- She spent the holiday suntanning by the pool.
American English
- He's out back suntanning in the yard.
- I don't suntan; I just burn.
adjective
British English
- She bought some new suntan lotion.
- He had a distinct suntan line from his watch.
American English
- The suntan oil smelled like coconut.
- Her suntan faded after a week back at work.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in marketing for cosmetics, travel, and fashion (e.g., 'suntan product line').
Academic
Rare. Might appear in dermatology or public health papers on UV exposure.
Everyday
Very common in conversation about holidays, appearance, and health.
Technical
In dermatology, refers to melanogenesis triggered by UV radiation.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “suntan”
- Using 'suntan' to mean the painful red burn (that's 'sunburn'). Spelling as 'sun tan' (two words is less common for the noun). Incorrect verb pattern: 'I suntanned' is grammatically correct but sounds slightly awkward; 'I got a suntan' or 'I tanned' is more natural.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
A suntan is a browning of the skin. Sunburn is a painful reddening and inflammation caused by overexposure to UV rays, which can later peel.
Yes, but it is less common than the phrases 'get a tan' or 'tan'. 'To suntan' means to expose oneself to the sun to get a tan.
No. Dermatologists state that a suntan is a sign of skin damage. The skin produces melanin (the tan) as a defence mechanism against further UV radiation, which can cause premature ageing and skin cancer.
A 'fake tan' is a cosmetic product that dyes the skin without sun exposure. A 'suntan bed' (or tanning bed) is a device emitting UV radiation to artificially induce a tan, carrying similar health risks to sun exposure.
A browning of the skin resulting from exposure to the sun.
Suntan is usually informal, everyday in register.
Suntan: in British English it is pronounced /ˈsʌntæn/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈsʌnˌtæn/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “As brown as a berry (describing a deep suntan)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
SUN + TAN = The sun makes your skin turn a tan colour.
Conceptual Metaphor
HEALTH/DESIRABILITY IS A TAN (common but contested by health metaphors); LEISURE IS A SUNTAN; SUMMER/HOLIDAY IS A SUNTAN.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary health concern associated with getting a suntan?