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

The following selections span the gambit from absorbent coasters to rattan coasters to high-quality pieces that are only occasionally dishwasher-safe—sorry. —Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 19 Mar. 2026

Don’t skip over these $10 blackout curtains that are perfect for guest bedrooms, or this absorbent bath rug that has 48,000 five-star ratings. —Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 16 Mar. 2026

Calabrese and Meyer, who both trained as mechanical engineers, introduced a spiral shape to their tampon that redirects the fluid to the absorbent core. —Luisa Beltran, Sportico.com, 11 Mar. 2026

Its absorbent nature ensures a thorough cleanse and smooth, soft skin with every use -- whether dry or wet. —Tory Johnson, ABC News, 10 Mar. 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