sponge

²sponge

verb

spongedspong·ing

Definition of SPONGE

transitive verb

1

: to cleanse, wipe, or moisten with or as if with a sponge

2

: to erase or destroy with or as if with a sponge —often used with out

3

: to get by sponging on another

4

: to absorb with or as if with or in the manner of a sponge

intransitive verb

1

: to absorb, soak up, or imbibe like a sponge

2

: to get something from or live on another by imposing on hospitality or good nature <sponged off of her sister>

3

: to dive or dredge for sponges

— spong·er noun

Examples of SPONGE

1. She sponged up the spilt milk.
2. He sponged off his face.
3. She sponged the dirt off her shirt.
4. She always sponges meals from us.

First Known Use of SPONGE

14th century

Related to SPONGE

Synonyms: drink, imbibe, soak (up), absorb, suck (up), take up

Related Words: gulp, guzzle, quaff, sip, slurp, swallow, swig, swill

see all synonyms and antonyms

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