soak up

phrasal verb

soaked up; soaking up; soaks up

1

: to take in (liquid) : absorb

The rag soaked up most of the water.

2

: to enjoy feeling or experiencing (something pleasant) in usually a slow or relaxed way

We went to the beach and soaked up the sun/sunshine all afternoon.

I sat at my table for an hour soaking up the atmosphere of the café.

The performers stood on the stage, soaking up the applause.

3

: to learn and remember (something) quickly

He eagerly soaked up every word she said.

She has an ability to soak up new information very quickly.

4

: to use a large amount of (money, supplies, etc.)

This project is soaking up resources that could be used elsewhere.

Examples of soak up in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The Carolinas offer beautiful lakes to swim, sail and soak up the sun — and a new report is revealing the best of the best for a waterfront getaway. —Chyna Blackmon, Charlotte Observer, 5 June 2024

That appealed to 40-year-old Bianca Rodrigues, who soaked up the atmosphere Saturday with her 12-year-old daughter, Gia, and a circle of friends. —Rob Nikolewski, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 June 2024

Recently, the company invited a group of journalists to a presentation during which young Saudis described green practices like using drones rather than lumbering fleets of trucks when prospecting for oil or restoring mangrove swamps along tropical coastlines to soak up carbon dioxide. —Stanley Reed, New York Times, 29 May 2024

After soaking up some sun on the sand, take a stroll down Ocean Drive to see the unique, colorful architecture of the Art Deco Historic District. —Lauryn Jiles, Miami Herald, 22 May 2024