sponge out
B2 neutral separable transitive
In simple words
To clean the inside of something by using a sponge to take out the dirt or liquid
Literal meaning: To remove (something out) using a sponge — fully transparent
Meanings
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."
Grammar: separable
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."
Grammar: separable
Usage notes
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.
Commonly used with
wound bucket container bowl cavity interior
Forms
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
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