suntans: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
mediuminformal, neutral
Quick answer
What does “suntans” mean?
Brown or darkened colour of the skin resulting from exposure to the sun.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Brown or darkened colour of the skin resulting from exposure to the sun.
The act or practice of sunbathing to achieve such skin colour; can also refer to the resulting skin tone itself, often associated with leisure, health, or fashion.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is very similar. 'Tan' is a more common, shorter synonym in both varieties. 'Suntan' is slightly more formal/literal. The compound 'suntan lotion' is common in both, though 'sun cream' is also frequent in the UK.
Connotations
Connotations of leisure, holidays, and health are strong in both. In recent decades, increased awareness of skin cancer has added a negative connotation of recklessness or vanity to excessive suntanning.
Frequency
'Tan' is significantly more frequent in everyday speech in both regions. 'Suntans' is less common than the singular 'suntan'.
Grammar
How to Use “suntans” in a Sentence
have + suntansget + suntans + (from + NP)NP + (with) + suntansVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “suntans” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He rarely suntans, he just burns.
American English
- She carefully suntans for twenty minutes each side.
adjective
British English
- She bought a new suntan cream for her holidays.
American English
- He wore his suntan shorts from last summer.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
In marketing for tourism, cosmetics (suntan lotion), or fashion.
Academic
Rare; may appear in dermatology, public health, or sociology papers discussing cultural practices and skin cancer risks.
Everyday
Common in conversation about holidays, appearance, and summer activities.
Technical
In dermatology, refers specifically to melanin production triggered by UV radiation.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “suntans”
- Using 'suntan' as an uncountable noun (e.g., 'I have a lot of suntan'). It is countable. Confusing 'suntan' (noun) with 'tan' (noun/verb). 'Suntan' is less commonly used as a verb.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Tan' is far more common in everyday speech. 'Suntan' sounds slightly more formal or literal.
Yes, but it's less common than 'tan' (e.g., 'I'm going to tan/tan myself'). 'Suntan' as a verb can sound a bit deliberate or old-fashioned.
A suntan is a browning of the skin. A sunburn is a painful reddening and inflammation of the skin caused by overexposure, which can lead to peeling.
No. While it is often culturally associated with health and vitality, medically any suntan is a sign of skin damage from UV radiation and increases the risk of skin cancer and premature ageing.
Brown or darkened colour of the skin resulting from exposure to the sun.
Suntans is usually informal, neutral in register.
Suntans: in British English it is pronounced /ˈsʌntænz/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈsʌnˌtænz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “catch some suntans”
- “(as) brown as a berry (describing a deep suntan)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
SUN + TANS: The SUN creates TANS on your skin.
Conceptual Metaphor
A SUNTAN IS A TROPHY/ACCESSORY (of leisure, travel, or health).
Practice
Quiz
What is the core meaning of 'suntans'?