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

When soils are too dry, runoff from the mountain snowpack will typically be soaked up by the ground, reducing the amount of water flowing in streams and rivers to reservoirs. —Ian James, Los Angeles Times, 2 Dec. 2024

If the tree stand’s water at any time falls below the base of the tree, the tree will form a sap layer at the bottom, keeping it from soaking up the water. —Jenna Prestininzi, Detroit Free Press, 2 Dec. 2024

Panthenol, beta-glucan and oligopeptides help skin soak up the patch’s perks. —Celia Shatzman, Forbes, 26 Nov. 2024

Add bread and cornbread to the broth mixture, stirring to combine and let bread soak up liquid. —Catherine Jessee, Southern Living, 23 Nov. 2024