sorbitol

noun

sor·​bi·​tol ˈsȯr-bə-ˌtȯl  -ˌtōl 

: a faintly sweet alcohol C₆H₁₄O₆ that occurs in some fruits, is made synthetically, and is used especially as a humectant and softener and in making ascorbic acid

Examples of sorbitol in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Great taste and no zylitol, mannitol or sorbitol which has a laxative effect. — Kait Hanson, Southern Living, 30 Jan. 2026

Humectants like sorbitol draw water in, emollients like cetearyl alcohol moisturize, and occlusives like petrolatum keep water from escaping, so skin feels smoother and looks healthier. — Sarah Felbin, Allure, 25 Feb. 2026

Unlike traditional sugars that are rapidly absorbed into the bloodstream in the small intestine, sorbitol isn't completely broken down or absorbed during digestion. — Morgan Pearson, Verywell Health, 1 July 2026

Some gummies contain 2 to 5 grams of sugar each, plus sugar alcohols like maltitol or sorbitol that may cause gas or diarrhea in sensitive users, along with artificial colors or preservatives. — Samantha Agate, Kansas City Star, 24 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

sorb fruit of the service or related trees + -itol

First Known Use

1895, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for sorbitol

• aerosol
• alcohol
• arbitral
• basketball
• butanol
• cannonball
• carbinol
• cortisol
• ethanol
• fireball
• gasohol
• gossypol

Medical Definition

sorbitol

noun

sor·​bi·​tol ˈsȯr-bə-ˌtȯl  -ˌtōl 

: a faintly sweet alcohol C₆H₁₄O₆ that occurs especially in fruits of the mountain ash (genus Sorbus), is made synthetically, and is used especially as a humectant, a softener, and a sweetener and in making ascorbic acid