prop

1 of 6

noun (1)

ˈpräp 

: 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 literate

—John Powers

prop

4 of 6

noun (3)

: propeller

prop

5 of 6

abbreviation

1

property

2

proposition

3

proprietor

prop-

6 of 6

combining form

: related to propionic acid

propane

propyl

Synonyms

Noun (1)

• brace
• buttress
• mount
• mounting
• reinforcement
• shore
• spur
• stay
• support
• underpinning

Verb

• bear
• bolster
• brace
• buttress
• carry
• shore (up)
• stay
• support
• sustain
• undergird
• underpin
• uphold

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

Verb

More popular anytime touchdown player props options from PFF. —Jay Ginsbach, Forbes, 4 Nov. 2024

Following her workout, Drew, 22, went into the changing rooms and propped her phone up in the locker to record herself. —Nina Turner, Newsweek, 30 Oct. 2024

Noun

But the figures darting hurriedly between the props and the culinary equipment aren’t house elves. —Jennifer Maas, Variety, 5 Nov. 2024

Either way, check out our favorite NFL player prop picks for the Week 9 Monday Night Football battle tonight. —David Faris, Newsweek, 4 Nov. 2024

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

Phrases Containing prop

• prop forward
• prop root
• prop up

Kids Definition

prop

1 of 4 noun

ˈpräp 

: 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

: property sense 4

prop

4 of 4 noun

: propeller