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

Scientists held an absorbent plastic tube near a mole rat for about half an hour to pick up the volatile molecules coming off its body. — Jacek Krywko, ArsTechnica, 21 July 2026

Diapers are synonymous with babies, who are born with highly absorbent skin. — Stephen Hobbs, Sacbee.com, 15 July 2026

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, 9 July 2026

The German brand designs the thin sole from real, soft leather, and its breathable, absorbent material keeps feet from getting sweaty. — Irene Richardson, InStyle, 5 July 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