a porous, absorbent pad or piece used for washing or cleaning, a primitive sedentary aquatic invertebrate with a soft porous body that is typically supported by a framework of fibers or calcareous or glassy spicules. Sponges draw in a current of water to extract nutrients and oxygen., a person who lives at someone else's expense

throw in the sponge, sponge off someone, sponge bath

Formal and Informal Expressions of sponge

In different contexts, you can replace 'sponge' with suitable alternatives. In a more formal setting, 'porous pad, aquatic invertebrate' is apt. In informal speech or writing, 'cleaning thing, freeloader' is a commonplace synonym.

sponge: Explore its Definition & Usage

sponge Definition

1a porous, absorbent pad or piece used for washing or cleaning
2a primitive sedentary aquatic invertebrate with a soft porous body that is typically supported by a framework of fibers or calcareous or glassy spicules. Sponges draw in a current of water to extract nutrients and oxygen.
3a person who lives at someone else's expense

Using sponge: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "sponge" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

Example
She used a sponge to clean the dishes.
Example
The sponge is a simple aquatic animal that has been around for millions of years.
Example
He's a sponge who never pays for anything.

sponge Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for sponge

Phrases with sponge

throw in the sponge
to give up or quit, especially when facing defeat or failure
Example
After losing the first two sets, he decided to throw in the sponge and concede the match.
sponge off someone
to live at someone else's expense without contributing anything oneself
Example
He's been sponging off his parents for years, refusing to get a job or pay rent.
sponge bath
a method of washing a person's body using a damp cloth or sponge instead of a full shower or bath
Example
The nurse gave the patient a sponge bath to help him feel more comfortable.

Origins of sponge

from Middle English 'spunch', from Old English 'spong', from Latin 'spongia', from Greek 'spongia'

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Summary: sponge in Brief

A 'sponge' [spʌndʒ] can refer to a porous pad used for cleaning, an aquatic invertebrate that extracts nutrients from water, or a person who lives at someone else's expense. Examples include 'She used a sponge to clean the dishes,' 'The sponge is a simple aquatic animal that has been around for millions of years,' and 'He's a sponge who never pays for anything.' Phrases include 'throw in the sponge,' meaning to give up, 'sponge off someone,' meaning to live at someone else's expense, and 'sponge bath,' a method of washing a person's body using a damp cloth or sponge.