[spʌn(d)ʒ], (Noun)

Definitions:
- a primitive sedentary aquatic invertebrate with a soft porous body that is typically supported by a framework of fibres or calcareous or glassy spicules. Sponges draw in a current of water to extract nutrients and oxygen

- a piece of a soft, light, porous absorbent substance originally consisting of the fibrous skeleton of an aquatic invertebrate but now usually made of synthetic material, used for washing and cleaning

- a light cake made by beating eggs with sugar, flour, and usually butter or other fat
(e.g: a chocolate sponge)

- a person who lives at someone else's expense

- a heavy drinker


Phrases:

Origin:
Old English sponge (in sponge), via Latin from Greek spongia, later form of spongos, reinforced in Middle English by Old French esponge

[spʌn(d)ʒ], (Verb)

Definitions:
- wipe or clean with a wet sponge or cloth
(e.g: she sponged him down in an attempt to cool his fever)

- obtain or accept money or food from other people without doing or intending to do anything in return
(e.g: they found they could earn a perfectly good living by sponging off others)


Phrases:

Origin:
Old English sponge (in sponge), via Latin from Greek spongia, later form of spongos, reinforced in Middle English by Old French esponge