A verb form that is used in progressive verb constructions and may also function as a modifier or a gerund.
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Alice spends her days cleaning Lady Jemima’s stinky shoes, sponging her underwear and greasing her long blonde hair.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 26, 2026
Generative AI is developing so quickly that soon the large-language models sponging up information on the internet will run out of content to feed on.
From Seattle Times ● May 13, 2024
Wedging himself between Dickie and Marge, he becomes obsessed — an obsession in which the lines between befriending Dickie, sponging off Dickie and becoming Dickie are progressively erased.
From New York Times ● Apr. 4, 2024
Wetlands also act as our planet's kidneys, sponging up excess rainwater to prevent flooding, and filtering out some sediment and contaminants before they can reach springs, creeks, groundwater, ocean.
From Salon ● Mar. 19, 2021
I’ve always felt it is an unforgivable thing to dump yourself on friends and then just stay on and on, sponging on their hospitality.
From "My Life with the Chimpanzees" by Jane Goodall
