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

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

From BBC • Dec. 21, 2024

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 • Apr. 30, 2023

On Mayor Eric Garcetti’s Facebook page, Cat posted a video of Mckenzie taking a sponge bath in a kiddie pool.

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 13, 2022

Shortly into a sponge bath from a groom, he sat back and collapsed, with possible heart failure later cited.

From Washington Post • Dec. 8, 2021

Then, with teeth chattering, she’d hurry back to the house, where she’d take a cold water sponge bath, to get rid of the salt.

From "Cheaper by the Dozen" by Frank B. Gilbreth Jr. and Ernestine Gilbreth Carey