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

In the Noël Coward suite, charming landscape oils by the playwright, actor and composer hang on walls and are propped on an easel. —Jane Margolies, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 June 2024

More than a dozen original works by Shabazz are propped, hung and slung across their home. —Essence, 7 June 2024

Two Zulu warrior shields are propped against the wall. —Lucy McKeon, New York Times, 3 June 2024

It can be used as a handheld device or foldable neck design to prop on surfaces. —Kristin Braswell, Travel + Leisure, 1 June 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