Sponger: meaning, definitions and examples

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sponger

 

[ ˈspʌndʒər ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

sea creature

A sponger is a type of sea creature that belongs to the phylum Porifera. Spongers are filter-feeders, meaning they obtain food by filtering water through their bodies. They are known for their ability to absorb and retain water, making them useful in various applications.

Synonyms

sponge

Examples of usage

  • Spongers play a crucial role in marine ecosystems by filtering water and removing impurities.
  • The natural sponges harvested by spongers are used in cosmetics and cleaning products.
Context #2 | Noun

informal

In informal language, a sponger refers to a person who habitually relies on others for support or favors without giving anything in return. This term is often used pejoratively to criticize someone for being lazy or dependent.

Synonyms

freeloader, moocher

Examples of usage

  • He's always asking to borrow money from his friends - he's such a sponger!
  • Don't be a sponger and help out with the chores around the house.

Translations

Translations of the word "sponger" in other languages:

🇵🇹 esponja

🇮🇳 स्पंज

🇩🇪 Schwamm

🇮🇩 spons

🇺🇦 губка

🇵🇱 gąbka

🇯🇵 スポンジ

🇫🇷 éponge

🇪🇸 esponja

🇹🇷 sünger

🇰🇷 스펀지

🇸🇦 إسفنجة

🇨🇿 houba

🇸🇰 huba

🇨🇳 海绵

🇸🇮 goba

🇮🇸 svampur

🇰🇿 губка

🇬🇪 სპონგი

🇦🇿 süngər

🇲🇽 esponja

Word origin

The word 'sponger' has its origins in the Middle English term 'spounge,' which came from the Latin word 'spongia' and the Greek word 'spongia.' Sponges have been used by humans for thousands of years for cleaning, bathing, and other purposes. The figurative use of 'sponger' to describe a person who takes advantage of others emerged in the 19th century.

See also: sponge, sponges, spongy.