spray tan

noun

plural spray tans
: a simulated suntan produced by darkening the skin with a sprayed-on chemical preparation
There's no doubt that, when choosing between a spray tan and actual tanning, the former is a much safer way to achieve a summer glow.—Zoë Weiner
Someone gave me a gift certificate for a spray tan a few years ago. It left me golden brown with a just a hint of orange, but had an unpleasant odor to it.—Lori Borgman
also : the chemical preparation used to produce a spray tan
… the cast … went through 200 gallons of spray tan … —Dave Quinn

Examples of spray tan in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
One such option is a spray tan tattoo. — Melissa Willets, Parents, 21 Aug. 2025 The girls are off getting all bare down there, and Zack is getting his spray tan. — Brian Moylan, Vulture, 30 Apr. 2026 Long and solid false eyelashes should be avoided, as should spray tans that are too dark, have orange tones or overuse contouring and highlighting. — Emily Krauser, PEOPLE, 20 June 2026 The pair play a brother and sister duo who are setting up a spray tan business in Sydney, before becoming entangled in the city’s violent underworld. — Stewart Clarke, Deadline, 6 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for spray tan

Word History

First Known Use

1950, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of spray tan was in 1950

Rhymes for spray tan

See All Rhymes for spray tan

Browse Nearby Words

spray strip
spray tan
spray therapy
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Spray tan.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/spray%20tan. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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