absorbent

adjective

ab·​sor·​bent əb-ˈsȯr-bənt How to pronounce absorbent (audio)
-ˈzȯr-
variants or less commonly absorbant
: able to absorb
as absorbent as a sponge
absorbent noun
or less commonly absorbant

Examples of absorbent in a Sentence

highly absorbent material that is really good for wiping off automobiles
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Choose the Right Bedding Material One of the easiest ways to make your coop low-maintenance is by using highly absorbent materials for bedding to collect droppings and other messes. Andrea Beck, Better Homes & Gardens, 15 June 2025 These raw materials were—and to a major extent still are—used in many brands of absorbent pads, tampons and wipes. Christopher Marquis, Forbes.com, 10 June 2025 Virginia Tech Animal Laboratory Services' website gives guidelines for packaging animal remains to ship for necropsy that include using at least three layers of plastic bags along with absorbent materials like disposable diapers and freezer packs. Jeanine Santucci, USA Today, 29 May 2025 Each diaper contains a wetness indicator that changes from yellow to blue and an absorbent core that can lock away liquid for up to 12 hours. Adam Mills, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for absorbent

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Latin absorbent-, absorbens, present participle of absorbēre "to absorb"

First Known Use

1694, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of absorbent was in 1694

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Absorbent.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/absorbent. Accessed 25 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

absorbent

adjective
ab·​sor·​bent əb-ˈsȯr-bənt How to pronounce absorbent (audio)
-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
: able to absorb
absorbent gauze
absorbent noun
also absorbant

More from Merriam-Webster on absorbent

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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