1 B2 neutral
To wash a person or animal thoroughly using a damp sponge, especially when a full bath is not possible
"The nurse sponged the patient down to help reduce his high temperature."
separable
sponge down
B2 neutral separable transitive
To clean a person, animal, or surface by wiping carefully with a wet sponge
In plain English
To clean something or someone gently by using a wet sponge all over
What does "sponge down" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B2 neutral
To clean a large surface by wiping it with a wet sponge
"She sponged down the kitchen walls before repainting them."
separable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To clean downward (over the whole body/surface) with a sponge — fully transparent
Actually means
To clean something or someone gently by using a wet sponge all over
Usage tip
Often used in medical or caregiving contexts (e.g., cooling a feverish patient). Also used when cleaning large surfaces like walls or a car. Implies a gentler, more careful action than washing or hosing. Common in British English.
Words that pair with "sponge down"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
patient child horse wall car fever
How to conjugate "sponge down"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
sponge down
I/you/we/they
3rd person
sponges down
he/she/it
Past simple
sponged down
yesterday
Past participle
sponged down
have + pp
-ing form
sponging down
continuous
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