prop

1 of 6

noun (1)

: something that props or sustains : support

prop

2 of 6

verb

propped; propping

transitive verb

1
a
: to support by placing something under or against
often used with up
b
: to support by placing against something
2
: sustain, strengthen
often used with up
a government propped up by the military

prop

3 of 6

noun (2)

1
: property sense 3
stage props
2
: something used in creating or enhancing a desired effect
buy books … as cultural props because they want to appear literateJohn Powers

prop

4 of 6

noun (3)

prop

5 of 6

abbreviation

prop-

6 of 6

combining form

: related to propionic acid
propane
propyl

Examples of prop in a Sentence

Noun (1) a prop kept the porch of the dilapidated house from collapsing Verb She propped the rake against a tree. We propped the shed's roof with poles. The window was propped open.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Verb
Just prop it up on a surface, enable tracking, and the gimbal and camera will follow your movements. Ben Sin, Forbes, 27 Feb. 2025 Here's how to do a side plank: Set a mat down and align your body by propping yourself up on your elbow. Jakob Roze, Health, 26 Feb. 2025
Noun
Unfortunately, the numbers on his props are so inflated that value is hard to come by in those markets. Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 3 Mar. 2025 The Hulu documentary takes viewers inside the fateful day of Oct. 21, 2021 and the spectacle that followed Alec Baldwin, who fired the prop gun, and the case. Matt Minton, Variety, 1 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for prop

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

Middle English proppe, from Middle Dutch, stopper; akin to Middle Low German proppe stopper

Combining form

International Scientific Vocabulary, from propionic (acid)

First Known Use

Noun (1)

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Verb

1507, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Noun (2)

1841, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun (3)

1914, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of prop was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Prop.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/prop. Accessed 9 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

prop

1 of 4 noun
: something that props or supports

prop

2 of 4 verb
propped; propping
1
a
: to hold up or keep from falling or slipping by placing a support under or against
prop up a broken chair
b
: to support by placing against something
propped the rake against a tree
2
: to give help, encouragement, or support to
propped up by his faith in times of crisis

prop

3 of 4 noun

prop

4 of 4 noun

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