sponge
Sponge (noun) means a simple sea creature with a soft, porous skeleton, or the absorbent material made from it (or a synthetic equivalent) used for washing. Example: “She wiped down the counter with a damp sponge.”
How to use sponge
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA soft, absorbent tool or creature — or, informally, someone who freeloads.
Word forms
sponged past tense, sponges plural, sponges singular
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
She wiped down the counter with a damp _____.
Etymology
From Old English spunge, borrowed from Latin spongia, which came from Greek spongos.
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Frequently asked questions
What does “sponge” mean?
The word “sponge” means a simple sea creature with a soft, porous skeleton, or the absorbent material made from it (or a synthetic equivalent) used for washing. In plain terms, a soft, absorbent tool or creature — or, informally, someone who freeloads.
How do you pronounce “sponge”?
“Sponge” is pronounced spuhnj (/spʌnd͡ʒ/ in IPA).
How do you use “sponge” in a sentence?
Here is “sponge” used in a sentence: “She wiped down the counter with a damp sponge.”
What part of speech is “sponge”?
Depending on how it is used, “sponge” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “sponge” come from?
The word “sponge” comes from Latin. From Old English spunge, borrowed from Latin spongia, which came from Greek spongos.
Is “sponge” a common word?
“Sponge” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “sponge” have?
“Sponge” has 4 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a simple sea creature with a soft, porous skeleton, or the absorbent material made from it (or a synthetic equivalent) used for washing.
What is the difference between a sponge cake and other cakes?
A sponge cake is defined by its light, airy texture, achieved through a batter that traps air, typically without added fat like butter, unlike denser cakes. This texture is what gives the sponge its name, resembling the porous material used for washing.
Why is calling someone a sponge considered an insult?
Calling a person a sponge implies they live off other people's generosity, money, or kindness without contributing anything back, similar to how a sponge absorbs liquid without giving anything in return. It is used critically to describe freeloading or exploitative behavior.
Can sponge be used as a verb, and what does it mean?
Yes, to sponge means to live off or take advantage of someone else's money or kindness, often used in phrases like sponging off a friend or relative. This verb usage carries the same negative connotation as the noun describing a freeloading person.