absorbed; absorbing; absorbs
1
a
: to take in (something, such as water) in a natural or gradual way
a sponge absorbs water
charcoal absorbs gas
plant roots absorb water
2
: to take in and make part of an existent whole
the capacity of a country to absorb new immigrants
3
: to engage or engross wholly
an interest that absorbs her completely
absorbed in thought
4
b
: to transform (radiant energy) into a different form especially with a resulting rise in temperature
The earth absorbs the sun's rays.
Examples of absorb in a Sentence
a fabric that absorbs sweat
The walls are made of a material that absorbs sound.
absorbing heat from the sun
She is good at absorbing information.
He has retained the values that he absorbed as a young man.
a country that has absorbed many immigrants
smaller countries invaded and absorbed by bigger ones
His interest in photography absorbs him completely.
I was so absorbed by her story that I lost track of time.
Recent Examples on the Web
The offensive line absorbed an instruction to play with some more physicality.
—
Kansas City Star, 28 Oct. 2025
Soluble Fiber Makes Kiwi a Low-Glycemic-Index Food The soluble fiber in kiwi helps slow digestion and control how quickly sugar gets absorbed into the bloodstream, said Charlize Del Rosario, RD, CNSC, a dietitian at USC Verdugo Hills Hospital, part of Keck Medicine of USC.
—Maggie O'Neill, Verywell Health, 28 Oct. 2025
As Western nations banned seaborne Russian crude after Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine, the Kremlin successfully pivoted east, finding an economic lifeline in China and India, who absorbed millions of barrels per day at a steep discount.
—Rhea Mogul, CNN Money, 28 Oct. 2025
Under his overall deal (formerly at ABC Signature before the studio was absorbed by 20th TV), Countee co-created with Alec Berg the comedy Downforce, which went to pilot at Hulu starring Eve Hewson and Murray Bartlett.
—Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 27 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for absorb
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Kansas City Star, 28 Oct. 2025
Soluble Fiber Makes Kiwi a Low-Glycemic-Index Food The soluble fiber in kiwi helps slow digestion and control how quickly sugar gets absorbed into the bloodstream, said Charlize Del Rosario, RD, CNSC, a dietitian at USC Verdugo Hills Hospital, part of Keck Medicine of USC.
—Maggie O'Neill, Verywell Health, 28 Oct. 2025
As Western nations banned seaborne Russian crude after Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine, the Kremlin successfully pivoted east, finding an economic lifeline in China and India, who absorbed millions of barrels per day at a steep discount.
—Rhea Mogul, CNN Money, 28 Oct. 2025
Under his overall deal (formerly at ABC Signature before the studio was absorbed by 20th TV), Countee co-created with Alec Berg the comedy Downforce, which went to pilot at Hulu starring Eve Hewson and Murray Bartlett.
—Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 27 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for absorb
Cite this Entry
“Absorb.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/absorb. Accessed 31 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
1
: to take in or suck or swallow up
a sponge absorbs water
plant roots absorb water
2
: to hold the interest of : engross
absorbed in thought
3
a
: to receive without giving back
a sound-absorbing surface
b
: to transform (radiant energy) into a different form usually with a resulting rise in temperature
the earth absorbs the sun's rays
absorber
noun
Medical Definition
absorb
transitive verb
ab·sorb
əb-ˈsȯ(ə)rb 
-ˈzȯ(ə)rb
-ˈzȯ(ə)rb
1
: to take up especially by capillary, osmotic, solvent, or chemical action
surgical sutures which can be absorbed by the body
the blood in the lungs absorbs oxygen
2
: to transform (radiant energy) into a different form usually with a resulting rise in temperature
chlorophyll reflects green light and absorbs the other colors of light
absorber
noun
Legal Definition
absorb
transitive verb
ab·sorb
1
: to make (a right guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution) applicable to the states
2
a
: to bear or assume the burden of
expenses were absorbed by the company
b
: to lessen the tax liability for
has other losses to absorb the income—D. Q. Posin
D. Q. PosinLove words? Need even more definitions?
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