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

The cream relies on petrolatum to form a protective seal that slows moisture loss, with sorbitol as a humectant to keep skin hydrated. — Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 19 Sep. 2026

Xylitol wasn’t the only sweetener flagged; the study also noted that aspartame, saccharin, acesulfame-K, erythritol, and sorbitol were concerning. — Emily Kay Votruba, EverydayHealth.com, 26 Aug. 2026

Then the pulp was harvested, washed, and mixed with sorbitol and cellulose. — Maryna Holovnova, New Atlas, 22 Aug. 2026

Unlike traditional sugars that are rapidly absorbed into the bloodstream in the small intestine, sorbitol isn't completely broken down or absorbed during digestion. — Morgan Pearson, Verywell Health, 1 July 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
• cortisol
• ethanol
• fireball
• gasohol
• gossypol

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