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

Stealth aircraft may also incorporate radar absorbent structures, honeycombs of material which trap and disperse radar waves. —David Hambling, Forbes, 8 Oct. 2024

It’s made from a soft, absorbent blend of cotton and bamboo and has a heft that makes the robe feel like a hug (think: calming weighted blanket). —Abbey Stone, SELF, 7 Oct. 2024

Towel Dry After washing, dry a clear backpack with a clean, absorbent towel. —Jolie Kerr, Better Homes & Gardens, 26 Sep. 2024

These microfiber towels from Amazon are super absorbent, ultra-compact and dry quickly. —Nora Colomer, Fox News, 16 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