A fibrous web having a length, a width and a thickness, with at least about 50 percent of the fibers aligned in a direction generally perpendicular to the length and width of the web. The web defines a plurality of spaced-apart gaps, each having a top and a bottom, and each of the gaps extends from one surface of the web at least about 50 percent through the thickness of the web. The density of a portion of the web defining the bottom of the gap is greater than the density of a portion of the web defining the top of the gap. The portion of the web which defines the top of the gap may be composed substantially of terminal ends of the fibers. In addition, the portion of the web which defines the bottom of the gap may be composed substantially of continuous fibers. The fibrous web may be a meltblown nonwoven web or a neck-stretched, meltblown nonwoven web. The fibrous web may be employed as a component of such absorbent products as diapers; incontinent care products; and feminine care products, such as sanitary napkins and tampons; filter elements; and the like. The web provides improved distribution of liquid in the direction of fiber alignment.