absorption

noun

ab·​sorp·​tion əb-ˈsȯrp-shən How to pronounce absorption (audio)
-ˈzȯrp-
Synonyms of absorption
1
a
: the process of absorbing something or of being absorbed
absorption of water
compare adsorption
b
: interception of radiant energy or sound waves
2
: entire occupation of the mind
his absorption in his work
absorptive
əb-ˈsȯrp-tiv How to pronounce absorption (audio)
-ˈzȯrp-
adjective

Synonyms of absorption

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Examples of absorption in a Sentence

forgot to return the phone call due to his absorption in setting up the new computer system
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The platform shoes add extra height, while providing extra cushioning for arch-support and shock absorption. — Isabel Garcia, PEOPLE, 3 July 2026 Areas with heavy rain, snow, or high humidity are more prone to wood rot, mildew, and moisture absorption, often requiring restaining every one to two years. — Timothy Dale, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 July 2026 This helps for better absorption of active ingredients like vitamin C and leads to smoother-looking skin and makeup application. — Reece Andavolgyi, InStyle, 4 July 2026 Local first-quarter net absorption, the difference between space leased and vacated, and often a sign of turnover, was a negative 179,000 square feet. — Hang Nguyen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for absorption

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from French & Late Latin; French, borrowed from Late Latin absorptiōn-, absorptiō, from absorbēre "to absorb" + -tiōn-, -tiō, suffix of action nouns

First Known Use

1597, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of absorption was in 1597

Phrases Containing absorption

Rhymes for absorption

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Browse Nearby Words

absorptiometry
absorption
absorption band
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Absorption.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/absorption. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

absorption

noun
ab·​sorp·​tion əb-ˈsȯrp-shən How to pronounce absorption (audio)
-ˈzȯrp-
1
: the process of absorbing or being absorbed: as
a
: the passing of digested food through the wall of the intestines into the blood or lymph
b
: the stopping and taking in especially of radiant energy or sound waves
2
: entire occupation of the mind
absorptive
-ˈsȯrp-tiv How to pronounce absorption (audio)
-ˈzȯrp-
adjective

Medical Definition

absorption

noun
ab·​sorp·​tion əb-ˈsȯrp-shən, -ˈzȯrp- How to pronounce absorption (audio)
1
: the process of absorbing or of being absorbed
absorption of nourishment in the small intestine
compare adsorption
2
: interception of radiant energy or sound waves

Legal Definition

absorption

noun
ab·​sorp·​tion
: the application to the states of rights guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution
while Powell [v. Alabama] was sometimes described as having absorbed the right to counsel, the Court there clearly limited any such absorption—W. R. LaFave and J. H. Israel

More from Merriam-Webster on absorption

Nglish: Translation of absorption for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about absorption

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