Word
spongy
US/ˈspəndʒi/
UK/spˈʌndʒi/
Definition
adj. soft and full of tiny holes that soak up liquid, like a kitchen sponge. You use it for things that feel soft and springy when you press them.
adj. having a soft, porous and elastic texture that absorbs liquid easily and gives slightly under pressure.
Examples
“The old mattress feels soft and spongy.”
“The forest floor feels spongy under your boots after days of heavy rain.”
“The abandoned tennis court had turned spongy with moss, each step sinking slightly into the damp, green surface.”
Examples
simple
“The old mattress feels soft and spongy.”
contextual
“The forest floor feels spongy under your boots after days of heavy rain.”
complex
“The abandoned tennis court had turned spongy with moss, each step sinking slightly into the damp, green surface.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “spongy” in context.
Verb
01. become spongy
“The ground becomes spongy after heavy rain.”
verb + adj
02. feel spongy
“The gym mat feels spongy under your feet.”
verb + adj
03. keep spongy
“Cover the bread with a cloth to keep it spongy.”
verb + adj
04. make spongy
“Beating the eggs well will make the cake spongy.”
verb + adj
05. remain spongy
“The soil remains spongy even in dry weather.”
verb + adj
Adjective
06. spongy cake
“This spongy cake stays fresh for two days if you cover it well.”
adj + noun
07. spongy ground
“We walked carefully across the wet, spongy ground.”
adj + noun
08. spongy moss
“The rocks were covered with thick, spongy moss.”
adj + noun
09. feel soft and spongy
“The new carpet feels soft and spongy.”
10. keep the cake spongy
“Store it in foil to keep the cake spongy.”
11. light and spongy cake
“She baked a light and spongy cake for the party.”
12. soft and spongy texture
“This towel has a soft and spongy texture.”
Real-World Examples
“Gluten gives bread its spongy crumb, makes pizza dough stretchy and keeps pasta from falling apart when cooked.” “Wonder Bread, known for its soft, spongy texture and polka-dot wrapper, is an iconic American brand that has been around for decades.” “It's a spongy, lightweight plaything made by Hasbro that includes mini footballs and blasters that shoot foam darts.” “The tangy, spongy bread injera is essential to an Ethiopian meal.” Etymology
From spong(e) + -y.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Antonyms
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
Related words
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
- アルファベット
- 読み方の一覧 →
QR code
englishreference.com/q/spongy