: an elastic porous mass of interlacing horny fibers that forms the internal skeleton of various marine animals (phylum Porifera) and is able when wetted to absorb water
(2)
: a piece of sponge (as for scrubbing)
(3)
: a porous rubber or cellulose product used similarly to a sponge
b
: any of a phylum (Porifera) of aquatic chiefly marine simple invertebrate animals that have a double-walled body of loosely aggregated cells with a skeleton supported by spicules or spongin and are filter feeders that are sessile as adults
2
: a pad (as of folded gauze) used in surgery and medicine (as to remove discharge)
3
: one who lives on others
4
a
: a soft mixture of yeast, liquid, and flour that is allowed to rise and then mixed with additional ingredients to create bread dough
b
: a whipped dessert usually containing whites of eggs or gelatin
c
: a metal (such as platinum) obtained in porous form usually by reduction without fusion
titanium sponge
d
: the egg mass of a crab
5
: an absorbent contraceptive device that is impregnated with spermicide and inserted into the vagina before sexual intercourse to cover the cervix
parasite applies to one who clings to a person of wealth, power, or influence or is useless to society.
a jet-setter with an entourage of parasites
sycophant adds to this a strong suggestion of fawning, flattery, or adulation.
a powerful prince surrounded by sycophants
toady emphasizes the servility and snobbery of the self-seeker.
cultivated leaders of society and became their toady
leech stresses persistence in clinging to or bleeding another for one's own advantage.
a leech living off his family and friends
sponge stresses the parasitic laziness, dependence, and opportunism of the cadger.
a shiftless sponge, always looking for a handout
Example Sentences
Noun finally told the sponge to move out of their house and to get a job Verb She sponged up the spilt milk. He sponged off his face. She sponged the dirt off her shirt. She always sponges meals from us.
Recent Examples on the Web
Noun
To get that ombré twist, Ganzoright recommends using a small makeup sponge to dab on OPI's Infinite Shine in Clean Slate, spreading the color from the nail's middle point up to the tip.Seventeen, 14 Sep. 2022 Add the bath mat to the mix and use a sponge to gently scrub it. Andrea Crowley, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 Aug. 2022 Wipe the heating element with the damp cloth or use a soft sponge to gently remove any build up. Clare Mulroy, USA TODAY, 4 Aug. 2022 Run a line of caulk along the space, and then immediately use a wet sponge to remove excess. Chelsea Evers, Country Living, 6 July 2022 La'Pearl likes to use a damp sponge, while Meyers uses her ring finger to gently tap and blend for a softer finish.Allure, 31 May 2022 The kit includes an applicator sponge and buffing cloth. Carolyn Forté, Good Housekeeping, 1 Sep. 2022 With proper care, this sponge can last a while without getting riddled with bacteria. Jamie Wilson, Harper's BAZAAR, 31 Aug. 2022 Long-living and fast-growing, the American chestnut is a powerful sponge for greenhouse gas emissions.BostonGlobe.com, 30 Aug. 2022
Verb
Butterfly sponge heads fold in half for easy, hands-free wringing. Maya Polton, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 Sep. 2022 Continuously storing a loofah or sponge in a damp area can lead to bacteria or mold growth, which can in turn leave you with some major skin irritation. Jamie Wilson, Harper's BAZAAR, 31 Aug. 2022 But reading books in Spanish is a good way to start building their vocabulary, and the younger kids are, the more their minds are able to sponge up new words. Christina Montoya Fiedler, Good Housekeeping, 22 Aug. 2022 When messy cooking causes splatters, take a damp cloth or sponge with soap and wipe off the exterior of the air fryer. Clare Mulroy, USA TODAY, 4 Aug. 2022 This week has desserts like Dutch chocolate cookies, churro rice crispy treats, Victoria sponge cupcakes, and Italian limoncello muffins. Blaine Callahan, Hartford Courant, 3 Aug. 2022 Then, ring out the vinegar, thoroughly rinse the clean kitchen sponge in warm water and let dry. Megan Boettcher, Better Homes & Gardens, 3 Aug. 2022 Use a clean makeup brush or sponge to apply your makeup. Laken Brooks, Forbes, 25 Dec. 2021 For homeowners trying to treat pet accidents on their own, the best way is to sponge on clean water, then blot it out by spreading a clean, dry towel over the area and pressing down. Jeanne Huber, Washington Post, 18 July 2022 See More
Word History
Etymology
Noun
Middle English, from Old English, from Latin spongia, from Greek
First Known Use
Noun
before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a(1)