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

The condition was originally identified as the reason why some people who’d had GI surgery or a digestive disease developed malabsorption (or failed to soak up nutrients from food). —Erica Sloan, SELF, 24 Oct. 2024

But for a more comprehensive clean, use a crevice tool along the edges and scatter baking soda or cornstarch onto the mattress (to soak up odors or oils) before vacuuming and use the crevice tool along the edges. —Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 22 Oct. 2024

Popular on Variety For now, though, Monáe is soaking up the horror vibes during the one month of the year where wearing a Chucky mask to bed might actually be socially acceptable. —Steven J. Horowitz, Variety, 17 Oct. 2024

Blot the stain: Dab the stained area gently with a clean cloth to soak up as much of the stain as possible. —Daley Quinn, Southern Living, 13 Oct. 2024