sorbitol

noun

sor·​bi·​tol ˈsȯr-bə-ˌtȯl  -ˌtōl 

: a faintly sweet alcohol C₆H₁₄O₆ that occurs in some fruits, is made synthetically, and is used especially as a humectant and softener and in making ascorbic acid

Examples of sorbitol in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Three of the seven sugar substitutes involved in the study—erythritol, sorbitol, and xylitol—belong to a category known as sugar alcohols, artificial sweeteners that can be found in sweet treats like candy, ice cream, baked goods, and protein bars (and can cause digestive symptoms), for example. —Caroline Tien, SELF, 27 Feb. 2026

Humectants like sorbitol draw water in, emollients like cetearyl alcohol moisturize, and occlusives like petrolatum keep water from escaping, so skin feels smoother and looks healthier. —Sarah Felbin, Allure, 25 Feb. 2026

Prune juice contains the natural sugar sorbitol that helps draw water into the gut to ease constipation. —Amy Brownstein, Verywell Health, 16 Feb. 2026

Great taste and no zylitol, mannitol or sorbitol which has a laxative effect. —Kait Hanson, Southern Living, 30 Jan. 2026

Word History

Etymology

sorb fruit of the service or related trees + -itol

First Known Use

1895, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for sorbitol

• aerosol
• alcohol
• arbitral
• basketball
• butanol
• cannonball
• carbinol
• catarrhal
• cortisol
• ethanol
• fireball
• gasohol

Medical Definition

sorbitol

noun

sor·​bi·​tol ˈsȯr-bə-ˌtȯl  -ˌtōl 

: a faintly sweet alcohol C₆H₁₄O₆ that occurs especially in fruits of the mountain ash (genus Sorbus), is made synthetically, and is used especially as a humectant, a softener, and a sweetener and in making ascorbic acid