sponge bath

American  

noun

1. a bath in which the bather is cleaned by a wet sponge or washcloth dipped in water, without getting into a tub of water.

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sponge bath British  

noun

1. a washing of the body with a wet sponge or cloth, but without immersion in water

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Etymology

Origin of sponge bath

First recorded in 1855–60

Example Sentences

But if robots can now fold laundry, serve food, sweep the floor, operate computers, talk, walk and dance, it’s plausible that soon they will help our elders out of bed and give them sponge baths.

From The Wall Street Journal

The incident happened at a major hospital in west London on Thursday morning during a routine sponge bath.

From BBC

In the videos, the TV personality, who is the daughter of rocker Ozzy Osbourne, applied various salves and bandages to Wilson’s injuries, gave him a sponge bath and helped remove burnt skin from his face.

From Los Angeles Times

Instead of showers, they rely on steam baths or sponge baths.

From Seattle Times

Patients learn simple ways to beat the heat, like taking a shower or sponge bath to cool off and drinking plenty of water.

From Seattle Times