mop

1 of 2

noun

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
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.
Noun
Inmates make their own mops out of plastic sticks and socks in order to clean up. The Editorial Board, Oc Register, 3 July 2025 Batteries, toothbrushes, mops and everything in between are currently on sale. Christopher Murray May Earn A Commission If You Buy Through Our Referral Links. This Content Was Created By A Team That Works Independently From The Fox Newsroom., FOXNews.com, 3 July 2025
Verb
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, 29 June 2025 Keep in mind that mopping the mat will leave some water residue under the edges of the chair mat; this needs to be wiped away with a cloth to prevent rot and mildew from growing underneath the chair mat. Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 20 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for mop

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

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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Mop.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mop. Accessed 10 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

mop

1 of 2 noun
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

More from Merriam-Webster on mop

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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