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sponge

n. · v.
US //ˈspəndʒ// UK //spˈʌndʒ// sponge
  1. 1 cleaning tool (n.)
    A2 Elementary

    a soft, porous tool used for washing or cleaning that can hold a lot of water.

    a piece of porous material, either natural or synthetic, used for washing, scrubbing, or absorbing liquids.

    Example

    He used a large sponge and soapy water to wash the car.

    Example

    The janitor dipped the synthetic sponge into the bucket, ensuring it was fully saturated before tackling the grime on the floorboards.
  2. 2 sea animal (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Science

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

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

    Example

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

    Example

    Marine biologists are studying how certain species of sponge filter nutrients from the surrounding seawater through their intricate canal systems.
    • poriferan
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  1. 3 light cake (n.)
    B1 Intermediate British English Cooking

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

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

    Example

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

    Example

    The chef demonstrated how to fold the flour into the egg mixture gently to maintain the air bubbles required for a perfect sponge.
    • sponge cake
  2. 4 social parasite (n.)
    C1 Advanced Informal

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

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

    Example

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

    Example

    The family eventually grew tired of his behaviour, viewing him as a professional sponge who had no intention of seeking employment.
  3. 5 to clean or wipe (v.)
    B1 Intermediate

    to wash or wipe something using a sponge.

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

    Example

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

    Example

    The nurse gently sponged the patient's forehead with cool water to help reduce the fever.
  4. 6 to live off others (v.)
    C1 Advanced Informal

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

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

    Example

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

    Example

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

    Usage

    Often used with the preposition 'off'.
    • scrounge
    • mooch
    • freeload
  5. 7 to absorb information (v.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

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

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

    Example

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

    Example

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

From Middle English sponge, from Old English spunge, taken from Latin spongia, from Ancient Greek σπογγιά (spongiá), from σπόγγος (spóngos).

Idioms1 entry

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