absorbent

adjective

ab·​sor·​bent əb-ˈsȯr-bənt 

-ˈzȯr-

variants or less commonly absorbant

: able to absorb

as absorbent as a sponge

absorbent noun

or less commonly absorbant

Synonyms

• thirsty
• spongy

Examples of absorbent in a Sentence

highly absorbent material that is really good for wiping off automobiles

Recent Examples on the Web

Made of soft and absorbent cotton, these washcloths are a shower caddy essential that will save your skin. —Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 13 Aug. 2025

This is meant to give you the best of both worlds—a towel that’s soft and absorbent like a terry but also lightweight and quick-drying like pure waffle weave. —Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 6 Aug. 2025

Ducks need outdoor space, a predator-proof coop with waterproof, absorbent flooring, and a ramp for easy access. —Maria Azzurra Volpe, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Aug. 2025

The multi-sensory experience involves spraying scents on absorbent round cards visitors can take home that list all the products and remind them of the fragrances. —Michelle Greenwald, Forbes.com, 31 July 2025

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Latin absorbent-, absorbens, present participle of absorbēre "to absorb"

First Known Use

1694, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for absorbent

• adsorbent
• immunosorbent
• sorbent

Kids Definition

absorbent

adjective

ab·​sor·​bent əb-ˈsȯr-bənt 

-ˈzȯr-

: able to absorb

as absorbent as a sponge

absorbency

əb-ˈsȯr-bən-sē

-ˈzȯr-

noun

absorbent noun

Medical Definition

absorbent

adjective

ab·​sor·​bent

variants also absorbant

-bənt 

: able to absorb

absorbent gauze

absorbent noun

also absorbant