sponge
sponge Lexical Profile
sponge Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A piece of soft, light, and highly porous material—originally the dried skeleton of the aquatic animal, but now frequently made from synthetic polymers—used for absorbing liquids, washing, or cleaning.
"She wiped down the kitchen counters with a damp sponge."
A simple aquatic animal belonging to the phylum Porifera, characterized by a highly porous body and a lack of true tissues or organs, typically found attached to surfaces in marine environments.
"The deep-sea divers observed a vibrant orange sponge growing on the coral reef."
A person who habitually obtains money, food, or other resources from others without contributing anything in return.
"He acts like a sponge, constantly expecting his friends to pay for his meals and entertainment."
• verb
To wash, wipe, or clean a surface using a sponge or similar porous material.
"The nurse gently sponged the patient's forehead to help reduce the fever."
To absorb or soak up liquid in the manner of a sponge.
"The dry potting soil quickly sponged up the water from the watering can."
To obtain money, food, or resources from others without offering anything in return.
"He spent most of his twenties sponging off his parents instead of finding a steady job."
• Rhymes for sponge
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
From Old English 'sponge', derived from Latin 'spongia', which comes from Ancient Greek 'spongia' (σπογγιά).
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.