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

Infant skin is thinner and more absorbent, making babies more vulnerable to chemicals in disposable diapers, said Kelly Hardy, the senior managing director of health and research at the nonprofit Children Now, among the bill’s sponsors. — Kate Sequeira, Los Angeles Times, 28 Sep. 2026

Avoid liquid fabric softener and dryer sheets when washing towels, as these products leave a coating that makes towels less absorbent and traps odor-causing bacteria in the fibers. — Jolie Kerr, Better Homes & Gardens, 26 Sep. 2026

Avoiding harsh chemicals like bleach, fabric softeners, and the like will help keep your robe soft and absorbent as these formulas could break down the fabric, leave behind fabric-stiffening residue, or cause pilling and other concerns. — Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 26 Sep. 2026

Separately, the Pentagon is investigating how sensitive F-35 components — including a cockpit canopy with radar-absorbent coating — were diverted from an Australian repair hub to Hong Kong, where Chinese authorities are reportedly now holding them. — Anniek Bao, CNBC, 24 Sep. 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