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

See Examples For:

sponge bath

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

From BBC ● Dec. 21, 2024

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 ● Aug. 28, 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

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

I walked down to the river to keep Charley company, returned, even shaved and took a sponge bath in a bucket.

From "Travels with Charley in Search of America" by John Steinbeck