absorb
verb
ab·sorb
| \ əb-ˈsȯrb
, -ˈzȯrb
\
, -ˈzȯrb
\
absorbed;
absorbing;
absorbs
Definition of absorb
1a
: 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
b
: to transform (radiant energy) into a different form especially with a resulting rise in temperature
The earth absorbs the sun's rays.
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Other Words from absorb
absorbability
\ əb-ˌsȯr-bə-ˈbi-lə-tē
, -ˌzȯr- \
noun
, -ˌzȯr- \
noun
absorbable
\ əb-ˈsȯr-bə-bəl
, -ˈzȯr- \
adjective
, -ˈzȯr- \
adjective
absorber
noun
Synonyms for absorb
Synonyms
drink, imbibe, soak (up), sponge, suck (up), take up
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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.
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Recent Examples on the Web
Kelley said Wednesday there are estimates for the cost the city might have to absorb to pay the lawyers, but nothing is firm yet. — Robert Higgs, cleveland.com, "Cleveland looks to provide legal representation for impoverished families facing eviction," 21 Aug. 2019 Businesses will either have to absorb the increased cost or pass the increase onto their customers. — Letter Writers, Twin Cities, "Can’t agree with Ayd Mill plan," 21 Aug. 2019 Another is tough but stretchy to absorb the impact of flying insects. — Washington Post, "Scientists look to unweave the mystery of spider silks," 19 Aug. 2019 Those jittery customers have since come back, while Riverdale continues to absorb the higher cost of raw materials. — Shirley Leung, BostonGlobe.com, "Trump trade war is ‘nerve-racking’ for Massachusetts manufacturers," 19 Aug. 2019 The Reality: Nick Saban has seven new on-field assistants this season, again being forced to absorb a mass exodus in his coaching staff as well as the 10 players who were selected in the NFL draft. — Scooby Axson, SI.com, "Preseason Power Rankings: The Hype vs. the Reality for 2019's Top Teams," 19 Aug. 2019 But the Hawks, hit hard by graduation, will have to absorb season-ending injuries to junior defensive end Cooper Brown (at summer camp) and junior linebacker Cannon Booker (during Wednesday's scrimmage). — Richard Obert, azcentral, "Breaking down 3-way scrimmage among Highland, Centennial, Chandler," 15 Aug. 2019 In the Nelson area, take in the color by hiking to Pulpit Rock or riding the Great Northern Rail Trail—two local classics—or go a little farther afield to absorb the old-growth cedar forest beneath Kokanee Glacier. — Outside Online, "The Best Places to Savor Fall in British Columbia," 14 Aug. 2019 Another is tough but stretchy to absorb the impact of flying insects. — NBC News, "Spider silk 'library' could hold secrets for new materials," 14 Aug. 2019These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'absorb.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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More Definitions for absorb
absorb
verb
ab·sorb
| \ əb-ˈsȯrb
, -ˈzȯrb\
, -ˈzȯrb\
absorbed;
absorbing
Kids Definition of absorb
1
: to take in or swallow up
A sponge absorbs water.
2
: to hold the complete attention of
She was absorbed by the movie.
3
: to receive without giving back
The walls of the theater absorb sound.
absorb
transitive verb
ab·sorb
| \ əb-ˈsȯ(ə)rb
, -ˈzȯ(ə)rb
\
, -ˈzȯ(ə)rb
\
Medical Definition of absorb
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