spongy

adjective

ˈspən-jē 

spongier; spongiest

1

: resembling a sponge:

a

: soft and full of cavities

spongy ice

b

: elastic, porous, and absorbent

2

a

: not firm or solid

b

: being in the form of a metallic sponge

spongy iron

3

: moist and soft like a sponge full of water

a spongy moor

sponginess noun

Synonyms of spongy

• soft
• floppy
• squishy
• mushy

Examples of spongy in a Sentence

spongy moss covered the ground

generously pour the brandy over the cake, which is so spongy that it will absorb most of the liquid

Recent Examples on the Web

When the discs degenerate, vertebrae lose the spongy buffer between bones, resulting in pain. — New Atlas, 19 Aug. 2026

Malva pudding, a warm spongy cake soaked in a cream and butter sauce served with a warm custard, is often served as dessert. — Roger Sands, Forbes.com, 17 Aug. 2026

Slice the zucchini in half and scrape out the spongy center with the seeds using a sharp paring knife or a grapefruit spoon. — Andrea Beck, Better Homes & Gardens, 17 Aug. 2026

Summer Squash and Melons Summer squash will develop a seedy, spongy texture if allowed to grow too large. — Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 14 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing spongy

• spongy moth
• spongy parenchyma

Rhymes for spongy

• bungee

Kids Definition

spongy

adjective

ˈspən-jē 

spongier; spongiest

: resembling a sponge in appearance or in ability to absorb : soft and full of holes or moisture

sponginess noun

Medical Definition

spongy

adjective

ˈspən-jē 

spongier; spongiest

: resembling a sponge

especially : full of cavities : cancellous

spongy bone

sponginess noun