An absorbent article such as a disposable diaper is provided with an indicator (19A) adapted to become visible as soon as bodily fluid is discharged. The indicator (19A) is formed from a composite nonwoven fabric (31A) composed of a hydrophilic melt blown nonwoven fabric layer and a hydrophilic spun bond nonwoven fabric layer on which a display element (33) is depicted and laminated on one surface of the hydrophilic melt blown nonwoven fabric layer. A first surface of the composite nonwoven fabric (31A) facing an absorbent core of the diaper is held together with the display element (33) and a second surface of the composite nonwoven fabric facing a backsheet (16) of the diaper is held in close contact with the inner surface of the backsheet (16). The display element (33) is covered up by the composite nonwoven fabric (31A) in its dry state covers up and the display elements (33) become visible from the outside of the backsheet (16) through the nonwoven fabric (31A) as soon as the nonwoven fabric (31A) is wetted with bodily fluids.
