a piece of artificial or natural material that is soft and light and full of holes and can hold water easily, used for washing or cleaning

artificial sponge used for filling furniture, cushions, etc.

a simple sea creature with a light body full of holes, from which natural sponge is obtained

a light cake or hot dessert made from eggs, sugar and flour, with or without fat

to wash somebody/yourself/something with a wet cloth or sponge

to remove something using a wet cloth or sponge

We tried to sponge the blood off my shirt.

to get money, food, etc. regularly from other people without doing anything for them or offering to pay

He spent his life sponging off his relatives.

LEARNit Dictionary