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

Carpet, upholstered furniture, and other absorbent materials that are moldy may need to be replaced. —Emily Mullin, WIRED, 16 Oct. 2024

An absorbent material first captures moisture from the air. —Cameron Pugh, The Christian Science Monitor, 15 Oct. 2024

Made with an absorbent foam side and a scrubber side, these are so versatile that they can be used without worrying about scratches. —Katiee McKinstry, Rolling Stone, 4 Oct. 2024

Sometimes, fragrances are added between the absorbent core and the back sheet to mask odors. —Lindsay Curtis, Verywell Health, 16 Sep. 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