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

• bibulous
• spongy
• thirsty

Examples of absorbent in a Sentence

highly absorbent material that is really good for wiping off automobiles

Recent Examples on the Web

These towels are truly sturdy, absorbent, and consistently reliable. —Nicole Letts, Southern Living, 2 Mar. 2025

Muslin burp cloths: on sale for $6.77 Original price: $11.77 These super soft, absorbent, and quick-drying muslin burp cloths are made from 100% cotton. —Nora Colomer, Fox News, 20 Feb. 2025

Made with 100% Aegean cotton, these towels are soft, absorbent, and extra cozy. —Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 12 Feb. 2025

Nylon or synthetic towels or paper products are not as absorbent, and may scratch the finish. —Jim Gorzelany, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2025

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