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

And for more options, check out PCMag expert Andrew Gebhart's list of the best robot vacuums and mops for 2026. — Juhi Wadia, PC Magazine, 26 Oct. 2026

There is paint chipping on wall near the ice machine and near the mop sink, creating a surface that is not smooth nor easily cleanable. — Nwa Democrat-Gazette, Arkansas Online, 19 Oct. 2026

Verb

Across living spaces, clean doorknobs and light switches, vacuum carpets thoroughly and sweep then mop hard floors with hot soapy water. — Samantha Agate, Charlotte Observer, 6 Nov. 2026

Clothing Piles No matter how well-vacuumed, dusted and mopped your bedroom is, piles of dirty clothing and fresh laundry alike will quickly make the space look messy. — Abby Monteil, The Spruce, 2 Nov. 2026

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

Rhymes for mop

• bop
• chop
• cop
• crop
• drop
• flop
• fop
• hop
• knop
• lop
• op
• plop

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