process in which skin pigmentation darkens as a result of exposure to ultraviolet light
"After spending too much time at the beach without sunscreen, his tanning resulted in painful sunburns."
beating with a whip or strap or rope as a form of punishment
"The angry captain ordered the rebellious sailor to be tanned on the deck until he begged for mercy."
making leather from rawhide
"The artisan spent weeks tanning hides to transform them into durable leather for new boots."
The process of making leather, which does not easily decompose, from the skins of animals, which do.
"The ancient craftsmen spent weeks in tanning to preserve animal hides into durable leather that would resist rotting."
In plain English: Tanning is the brown color that appears on your skin when it gets exposed to sunlight.
"She applied sunscreen to protect her skin from too much tanning during the summer vacation."
Usage: Tanning refers specifically to the chemical treatment used in converting animal hides into durable leather, distinct from sun exposure that darkens human skin. Use this term when discussing industrial manufacturing or historical craft processes rather than outdoor activities.
present participle of tan
"The sun has turned his skin tanning, giving him a deep golden glow after hours at the beach."