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

Learn more about the island’s history at the Visitor Center, then take a walk to the island’s beach for surf fishing, shelling, or simply soaking up some sun. —Staff Author, Southern Living, 8 Jan. 2025

This is how plants soak up water in self-watering planters. —Rachel Ahrnsen, Better Homes & Gardens, 3 Jan. 2025

Slurp it by itself or over rice to soak up all of the tongue-tingling sauce. 12. —Margaux Laskey, New York Times, 30 Dec. 2024

She’s also focused on soaking up every moment of her new whirlwind life. —Erica Sloan, SELF, 30 Dec. 2024