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

How to Remove Grease or Oil Stains from Leather To remove oily or greasy stains on leather or suede material, use an absorbent powder like cornstarch or talcum powder to pull the oily splotch out of the leather. —Jolie Kerr, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 Nov. 2024

At a solid 24% off, this super absorbent set of four (which is beloved by our team) is still an easy add-to-cart. —Rachel Fletcher, Architectural Digest, 9 Oct. 2024

Place a few drops of your favorite essential oil on an absorbent material, such as a cotton ball, tissue, or pillowcase. —Emily Brown, Mph, Verywell Health, 8 Oct. 2024

Eucalyptus pulp, which is imported from Brazil, contains short fibers that make toilet paper soft and absorbent. —Jonathan Limehouse, USA TODAY, 3 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

1694, in the meaning defined above

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