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

The fabric’s long fibers are highly absorbent, effectively wicking water away from the body, and drying quickly after use, ensuring your towel is bone dry in time for your next use. —Maggie Horton, People.com, 22 Jan. 2025

Crafted from the finest, most absorbent materials, at 1.5 times bulkier than any comparable towel, this towel completely envelops with a cocoon of unmatched comfort. —Raul A. Reyes, Newsweek, 22 Jan. 2025

That often meant avoiding the cheapest diapers that would be both less absorbent and more likely to cause rashes. —Laura Clawson, JSTOR Daily, 18 Jan. 2025

Dorai Home Collapsible Dish Pad $90 $67 Amazon $95 $67 Dorai Home Dorai home's products are made from diatomaceous earth, which is a naturally absorbent material. —Emily Farris, Bon Appétit, 2 Dec. 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