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

These absorbent bathmats are made from ultra-soft cotton for a smooth and comforting feel. —Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 22 Nov. 2025

Inspired by the brand’s Super Plush Bath Towels above, Brooklinen’s best-selling Super Plush Robe is made from the same long-staple Turkish cotton that’s just as absorbent and soft to the touch. —Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 17 Nov. 2025

Instead of asking guests to drop their shoes at the door, the etiquette pro suggests a quality doormat, an attractive and absorbent rug in the entry, and a landing spot for coats and umbrellas just inside the door. —Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 16 Nov. 2025

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