sponge

B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun Science

n. a simple sea animal that stays in one place and has a body full of holes.

n. a primitive multicellular aquatic animal of the phylum Porifera, characterised by a porous skeleton.

“Divers found a beautiful orange sponge growing on the coral reef.”

“Marine biologists are studying how certain species of sponge filter nutrients from the surrounding seawater through their intricate canal systems.”

B1 · Intermediate Countable noun Cooking British English

n. a very light, soft cake made with eggs, sugar, and flour.

n. a light, aerated cake or pudding with a porous texture, typically produced by whisking eggs and sugar.

“She baked a Victoria sponge with jam and cream for the party.”

“The chef demonstrated how to fold the flour into the egg mixture gently to maintain the air bubbles required for a perfect sponge.”

C1 · Advanced Countable noun Informal

n. a person who always takes money or food from others without giving anything back.

n. a person who habitually relies on or exploits the generosity of others for financial or material gain.

“He is such a sponge; he never pays for his own drinks.”

“The family eventually grew tired of his behaviour, viewing him as a professional sponge who had no intention of seeking employment.”

B1 · Intermediate

v. to wash or wipe something using a sponge.

v. to clean, wipe, or absorb liquid from a surface using a sponge or similar absorbent material.

“I need to sponge the coffee stain off the rug before it dries.”

“The nurse gently sponged the patient's forehead with cool water to help reduce the fever.”

C1 · Advanced Informal

v. to get money or food from other people by taking advantage of their kindness.

v. to obtain money, food, or other resources from others through imposition or by exploiting their generosity.

“He has been sponging off his parents for years instead of finding a job.”

“The protagonist of the novel is a charming but lazy man who survives by sponging off his wealthy acquaintances in the city.”

B2 · Upper Intermediate

v. to learn or take in new information very quickly and easily.

v. to absorb or take in ideas, information, or knowledge readily and in large quantities.

“The children are like little sponges, picking up every new word they hear.”

“During her first week at the internship, she sponged up every bit of technical knowledge the senior engineers were willing to share.”