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
See all Synonyms & Antonyms 
Example Sentences
highly absorbent material that is really good for wiping off automobiles
Recent Examples on the Web Though much of the region remains in a decades-long drought, climate change has made weather patterns more variable and left soils drier and less absorbent, creating conditions more prone to floods and monsoons. 
CBS News, 22 Aug. 2022 Put the cleaning product mixture in a spray bottle (32 ounces or larger) and use a clean, absorbent lint-free rag (soft cotton is ideal) to wipe the glass. Caitlin Sole, Better Homes & Gardens, 18 Aug. 2022 This kit comes with absorbent period underwear, pads, hacks, masks and other little trinkets that make entering this new phase of life a little easier. Amanda Garrity, Good Housekeeping, 29 July 2022 The Los Angeles commercial and interior designer, whose mother favored terry in the ’70s, wore Juicy Couture’s absorbent dresses in the aughts. Katharine K. Zarrella And Rebecca Malinsky, WSJ, 28 July 2022 Plush and absorbent, they’re meant to be long lasting and safe for people with allergies, skin sensitivities and respiratory issues. Nicole Charky-chami, The Hollywood Reporter, 20 July 2022 However, our tester also noted that while these towels are very plush and absorbent, the material is not the softest. Alyssa Brascia, PEOPLE.com, 11 July 2022 This was a country of rich, absorbent wetlands that increasingly no one wanted. Annie Proulx, The New Yorker, 27 June 2022 Plenty of absorbent underwear brands make leakproof options in the classic bikini silhouette. Sarah Madaus, SELF, 23 June 2022 See More
CBS News, 22 Aug. 2022 Put the cleaning product mixture in a spray bottle (32 ounces or larger) and use a clean, absorbent lint-free rag (soft cotton is ideal) to wipe the glass. Caitlin Sole, Better Homes & Gardens, 18 Aug. 2022 This kit comes with absorbent period underwear, pads, hacks, masks and other little trinkets that make entering this new phase of life a little easier. Amanda Garrity, Good Housekeeping, 29 July 2022 The Los Angeles commercial and interior designer, whose mother favored terry in the ’70s, wore Juicy Couture’s absorbent dresses in the aughts. Katharine K. Zarrella And Rebecca Malinsky, WSJ, 28 July 2022 Plush and absorbent, they’re meant to be long lasting and safe for people with allergies, skin sensitivities and respiratory issues. Nicole Charky-chami, The Hollywood Reporter, 20 July 2022 However, our tester also noted that while these towels are very plush and absorbent, the material is not the softest. Alyssa Brascia, PEOPLE.com, 11 July 2022 This was a country of rich, absorbent wetlands that increasingly no one wanted. Annie Proulx, The New Yorker, 27 June 2022 Plenty of absorbent underwear brands make leakproof options in the classic bikini silhouette. Sarah Madaus, SELF, 23 June 2022 See More 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 draw in or soak up
absorbent paper towels
Medical Definition
absorbent
adjective
ab·sor·bent
variants also absorbant
-bənt
: able to absorb
absorbent gauze
absorbent
adjective
variants also absorbant
as in spongy
able to soak up liquids especially readily highly absorbent material that is really good for wiping off automobiles Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
- spongy
- thirsty
- osmotic
- bibulous
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- nonabsorbent