1 B2 neutral
To clean the inside of a container or space by absorbing and removing its contents with a sponge
"She sponged out the mixing bowl to remove the last of the batter."
separable
sponge out
B2 neutral separable transitive
To clean the inside of something by removing dirt, liquid, or residue with a sponge
In plain English
To clean the inside of something by using a sponge to take out the dirt or liquid
What does "sponge out" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 C1 neutral
In a medical context, to clean a wound or body cavity using a sponge
"The surgeon carefully sponged out the wound before closing it."
separable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To remove (something out) using a sponge — fully transparent
Actually means
To clean the inside of something by using a sponge to take out the dirt or liquid
Usage tip
Typically used for cleaning the interiors of containers, vehicles, wounds, or body cavities. Less common than 'wipe out' or 'rinse out' in general usage. Common in medical, domestic, and caregiving contexts.
Words that pair with "sponge out"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
wound bucket container bowl cavity interior
How to conjugate "sponge out"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
sponge out
I/you/we/they
3rd person
sponges out
he/she/it
Past simple
sponged out
yesterday
Past participle
sponged out
have + pp
-ing form
sponging out
continuous
Hear "sponge out" in the wild
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Other ways to say "sponge out"
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