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

• bibulous
• spongy
• thirsty

Examples of absorbent in a Sentence

highly absorbent material that is really good for wiping off automobiles

Recent Examples on the Web

The Coast Guard is working with crews using oil absorbent materials and skimmers to remove fuel from the water. —Hanna Park, CNN Money, 5 June 2025

If using an absorbent pad, wipe down the affected surface, and hand off the smelly pad to a dock attendant. —David Lyons, Sun Sentinel, 30 May 2025

New & Noteworthy The strongest, most absorbent and most durable paper towel, Brawny 3-Ply is built to handle it all. —Adam Mills, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 May 2025

Best Beach Towel Brooklinen Cabana Stripe Beach Towel View on Brooklinen An absorbent, fast-drying towel is a beach essential, and our favorite beach towel is the Brooklinen cabana stripe beach towel. —Brandi Fuller, Better Homes & Gardens, 27 May 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