sponge down
In real, traceable use. Part of the curated seed collection; community review is coming.
Meaning · English
A quick clean of something (namely the body) with a sponge.
Where it’s used:
Used
American English
Examples
When the pack is removed a cold or tepid sponge down should be given and the patient placed in a warm bed.
Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30)
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).
Common questions
What does “sponge down” mean?
A quick clean of something (namely the body) with a sponge.
Is “sponge down” formal or informal?
No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.