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 of absorbent

• thirsty
• spongy

Examples of absorbent in a Sentence

highly absorbent material that is really good for wiping off automobiles

Recent Examples on the Web

For spa-like pre and post-shower rituals, Harrison reaches for this hyper-absorbent piece from Boll & Branch, which has a luxury weight to it that feels distinctly Four Seasons. —Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 2 Feb. 2026

The highly absorbent roller physically removes dust, debris, dirt from the surface rather than drawing debris into filters. —William Jones, USA Today, 1 Feb. 2026

In our profession, we’re expected to have batches of clean, absorbent microfiber cloths and clean our tools every after a cleaning appointment. —Sarah Lyon, Southern Living, 30 Jan. 2026

Build walkways with absorbent materials, pavement, or stepping stones in high-traffic areas. —Nishaa Sharma, The Spruce, 26 Jan. 2026

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