mop

1 of 2

noun

ˈmäp 

1

: an implement made of absorbent material fastened to a handle and used especially for cleaning floors

2

: something that resembles a mop

especially : a thick mass of hair

mop

2 of 2

verb

mopped; mopping

transitive verb

1

: to use a mop on

specifically : to clean or clear away by mopping

mop the floors

—often used with up

mop up the spillage

2

: to wipe as if with a mop

mopped his brow with a handkerchief

intransitive verb

: to clean a surface (such as a floor) with a mop

mopper noun

Examples of mop in a Sentence

Verb

He mopped the sweat from his brow.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

The pair suggests ditching the broom and Swiffer for a vacuum and a spin mop dipped in a solution of one teaspoon of laundry detergent and warm water for sparkling clean floors time after time. —Lauren Wicks, Southern Living, 8 Oct. 2024

And browse other awesome deals on robot vacuums, steam mops, air purifiers, and more household cleaning tools. —Lauren Taylor, Better Homes & Gardens, 8 Oct. 2024

Verb

Unlike some robot vacuums, this one can even mop your floors. —Mia Meltzer, Rolling Stone, 31 Oct. 2024

Immediately after mopping, use a microfiber towel to completely dry the surface to ensure excess moisture doesn’t have the chance to hang out and do any damage. —Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 22 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English mappe

First Known Use

Noun

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1709, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Phrases Containing mop

• dry mop
• dust mop
• mop up

Kids Definition

mop

1 of 2 noun

ˈmäp 

1

: a tool for cleaning made of a bundle of cloth or yarn or a sponge fastened to a handle

2

: something resembling a mop

a tangled mop of hair

mop

2 of 2 verb

mopped; mopping

: to wipe or clean with or as if with a mop

mop the floor

mopped my brow with a handkerchief