spongy

adjective

ˈspən-jē 

spongier; spongiest

1

: resembling a sponge:

a

: soft and full of cavities

spongy ice

b

: elastic, porous, and absorbent

2

a

: not firm or solid

b

: being in the form of a metallic sponge

spongy iron

3

: moist and soft like a sponge full of water

a spongy moor

sponginess noun

Synonyms of spongy

• soft
• floppy
• squishy
• mushy

Examples of spongy in a Sentence

spongy moss covered the ground

generously pour the brandy over the cake, which is so spongy that it will absorb most of the liquid

Recent Examples on the Web

The spongy underside of the cap has pores—rather than gills as seen in Agaricales mushrooms such as shiitake and portobello—which are the openings to tubes through which spores exit the mushroom. —Encyclopedia Britannica, 1 May 2026

The spongy material is mostly made of air, yet nearly impermeable to both air and liquid. —Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 29 Apr. 2026

The touchpads have a smooth, satiny finish that's so much nicer under the thumb, the triggers have smooth tension that doesn't feel remotely spongy, and the permanently attached rear buttons are nice and clicky. —Will Greenwald, PC Magazine, 27 Apr. 2026

Soft and spongy, this vibrant yellow cake is pleasantly sweet, with notes of fragrant lemon. —Staff Author, Better Homes & Gardens, 18 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing spongy

• spongy moth
• spongy parenchyma

Rhymes for spongy

• bungee

Kids Definition

spongy

adjective

ˈspən-jē 

spongier; spongiest

: resembling a sponge in appearance or in ability to absorb : soft and full of holes or moisture

sponginess noun

Medical Definition

spongy

adjective

ˈspən-jē 

spongier; spongiest

: resembling a sponge

especially : full of cavities : cancellous

spongy bone

sponginess noun