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

To help the soil stay moist longer, super-absorbent polymers (SAP) or hydrogels can be added to the potting mix. —Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 12 June 2026

Place an absorbent towel on the windowsill to catch any moisture or water drips. —Caroline Lubinsky, Martha Stewart, 11 June 2026

For super-absorbent options, look for GSM above 500. —Blake Bakkila, Architectural Digest, 9 June 2026

Made the traditional Turkish way, so the cotton actually gets softer and more absorbent with every wash. —ABC News, 6 June 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