absorbing

American

[ab-sawr-bing, -zawr-] / æbˈsɔr bɪŋ, -ˈzɔr- /

adjective

extremely interesting; deeply engrossing.

an absorbing drama.

absorbing British

/ -ˈzɔːb-, əbˈsɔːbɪŋ /

adjective

occupying one's interest or attention; engrossing; gripping

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

Etymology

Origin of absorbing

First recorded in 1745–55; absorb + -ing ²

Vocabulary lists containing absorbing

12 More Interesting Ways to Say "interesting"

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Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

She never finished high school, but compensated for her incomplete education by devouring books and absorbing ideas.

From Salon • Jul. 6, 2026

Most existing hemostatic powders work primarily by absorbing blood and creating a physical barrier.

From Science Daily • Jul. 2, 2026

This week, companies signaled they’re done absorbing the costs.

From Barron's • Jun. 26, 2026

After participating in the operation, he couldn’t return to the zone for a year to avoid absorbing more radiation.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 22, 2026

They sit quietly, absorbing his story, and then flood him with questions.

From "Surviving Hitler: A Boy in the Nazi Death Camps" by Andrea Warren

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

absorbing

adjective

adjective

Other Word Forms

Etymology

Origin of absorbing

Vocabulary lists containing absorbing

12 More Interesting Ways to Say "interesting"

Example Sentences

Related Words