propped; propping
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
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
John Powers
: 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
New Atlas, 27 Mar. 2026
The film had multiple technical challenges, but first and foremost was capturing three time periods, each requiring their own set design, wardrobe and props, and doing it all in three days of filming.
—Aaron Couch, HollywoodReporter, 27 Mar. 2026
Kory Grow, Rolling Stone, 26 Mar. 2026
The district attorney’s office said that the gate to the pool had a lock but was propped open, which neither owner had checked before letting the children outside.
—Lucy Hodgman, San Francisco Chronicle, 24 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for prop
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Noun
The combo kit with extra batteries, charger, carry bag and six pairs of spare props retails at $499 but can currently be had for a hundred bucks off.
—New Atlas, 27 Mar. 2026
The film had multiple technical challenges, but first and foremost was capturing three time periods, each requiring their own set design, wardrobe and props, and doing it all in three days of filming.
—Aaron Couch, HollywoodReporter, 27 Mar. 2026
Verb
The family initially thought Nancy might have had a medical episode, and paramedics had come to the Arizona home, since the octogenarian’s back doors were propped open.
—Kory Grow, Rolling Stone, 26 Mar. 2026
The district attorney’s office said that the gate to the pool had a lock but was propped open, which neither owner had checked before letting the children outside.
—Lucy Hodgman, San Francisco Chronicle, 24 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for prop
Cite this Entry
“Prop.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/prop. Accessed 31 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationKids 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 nounprop
4 of 4 nounLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
