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

Coffee filters are absorbent and don't leave lint or streaks behind. —Amy Brightfield, Better Homes & Gardens, 17 Apr. 2025

The absorbent layers are slim, not bulky, and the bikini cut works well under most clothes. —Malia Griggs, Glamour, 15 Apr. 2025

In our profession, we’re expected to have batches of clean, absorbent microfiber cloths and clean our tools every after a cleaning appointment. —Sarah Lyon, Southern Living, 11 Apr. 2025

They’re made from a thick, soft cotton fabric that comes in 10 different colorways and is super absorbent. —Megan Schaltegger, People.com, 21 Mar. 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