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

If the stain is fresh and just occurred, soak up excess urine with an absorbent towel by blotting the area. —Ashlyn Needham, Southern Living, 7 Nov. 2025

In its natural form, sea moss is hyper-absorbent. —Caroline C. Boyle, USA Today, 4 Nov. 2025

And for post-hike recovery, slip into the shock-absorbent Oofos Ooahh Slide Sandals, now 25 percent off. —Sophie Dodd, Travel + Leisure, 31 Oct. 2025

At the 2025 Changchun Airshow, observers noted that the J-20 stealth fighter’s radar-absorbent surface appeared more durable and easier to maintain than that of US aircraft. —Kapil Kajal, Interesting Engineering, 24 Oct. 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