sponge

(noun, verb)

noun

1. a porous mass of interlacing fibers that forms the internal skeleton of various marine animals and usable to absorb water or any porous rubber or cellulose product similarly used

Definition categories: substance, absorbent

2. someone able to acquire new knowledge and skills rapidly and easily

- she soaks up foreign languages like a sponge

Definition categories: person, assimilator, learner, scholar

3. a follower who hangs around a host (without benefit to the host) in hope of gain or advantage

Similar word(s): leech, parasite, sponger

Definition categories: person, follower

4. primitive multicellular marine animal whose porous body is supported by a fibrous skeletal framework; usually occurs in sessile colonies

Similar word(s): parazoan, poriferan

Definition categories: animal, invertebrate

verb

1. wipe with a sponge, so as to clean or moisten

Definition categories: contact, wipe

2. ask for and get free; be a parasite

Similar word(s): bum, cadge, grub, mooch

Definition categories: possession, obtain

3. erase with a sponge; as of words on a blackboard

Definition categories: contact, efface, erase

4. soak up with a sponge

Definition categories: contact, mop

5. gather sponges, in the ocean

Definition categories: contact, collect, garner, gather

Sentences with sponge as a verb:

- to sponge a breakfast