As a Noun: 1. The condition of having skin which has turned an attractive brown colour because you have been in the sun. English = tan, suntan. As a Verb or Adjective: 1. Used to describe someone whose skin is darker than usual because they have been in the sun. English = (be) brown, (be) tanned, (be) sun-tanned. Idiomatic English = have a tan, have a sun tan.