Dictionary definition · sponge
noun
- 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
- someone able to acquire new knowledge and skills rapidly and easily"she soaks up foreign languages like a sponge"
- a follower who hangs around a host (without benefit to the host) in hope of gain or advantage
- primitive multicellular marine animal whose porous body is supported by a fibrous skeletal framework; usually occurs in sessile colonies
verb
- wipe with a sponge, so as to clean or moisten
- ask for and get free; be a parasite
- erase with a sponge; as of words on a blackboard
- soak up with a sponge
- gather sponges, in the ocean
Source: Open English WordNet (CC BY 4.0).