absorbed; absorbing; absorbs
Definition of absorb
1a
: to take in (something, such as water) in a natural or gradual way
a sponge absorbs water charcoal absorbs gas plant roots absorb water
2
: to take in and make part of an existent whole
the capacity of a country to absorb new immigrants
3
: to engage or engross wholly
an interest that absorbs her completely absorbed in thought
b
: to transform (radiant energy) into a different form especially with a resulting rise in temperature
The earth absorbs the sun's rays.
Test Your Vocabulary
Commonly Confused Words Quiz
-
- I went to the ______ store to buy a birthday card.

Test your vocabulary with our 10-question quiz!
TAKE THE QUIZ
A daily challenge for crossword fanatics.
TAKE THE QUIZLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share absorb
Time Traveler for absorb
The first known use of absorb was in the 15th century
See more words from the same century