1 B1 neutral
To absorb a spilled liquid from a surface using a sponge
"He quickly sponged up the spilled coffee before it stained the tablecloth."
separable
sponge up
B1 neutral separable transitive
To absorb a liquid using a sponge
In plain English
To use a sponge to soak up a spilled liquid
What does "sponge up" mean?
One main meaning — here's how to use it.
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To absorb liquid upward from a surface using a sponge — fully transparent
Actually means
To use a sponge to soak up a spilled liquid
Usage tip
Used in practical, domestic contexts. The 'up' particle emphasizes complete absorption — taking all the liquid up from the surface. Straightforward and literal in meaning. Less commonly used figuratively than 'soak up.'
Words that pair with "sponge up"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
water spill liquid mess juice puddle
How to conjugate "sponge up"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
sponge up
I/you/we/they
3rd person
sponges up
he/she/it
Past simple
sponged up
yesterday
Past participle
sponged up
have + pp
-ing form
sponging up
continuous
Hear "sponge up" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "sponge up" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Other ways to say "sponge up"
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