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prop

noun (1)
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\ ˈpräp How to pronounce prop (audio) \

Definition of prop

 (Entry 1 of 6)

: something that props or sustains : support

prop

verb
propped; propping

Definition of prop (Entry 2 of 6)

transitive verb

1a : 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 upa government propped up by the military

prop

noun (2)

Definition of prop (Entry 3 of 6)

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

noun (3)

Definition of prop (Entry 4 of 6)

: propeller

prop

abbreviation

Definition of prop (Entry 5 of 6)

1 property
2 proposition
3 proprietor

prop-

combining form

Definition of prop- (Entry 6 of 6)

: related to propionic acid propane propyl

Examples of prop in a Sentence

Verb She propped the rake against a tree. We propped the shed's roof with poles. The window was propped open.
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First Known Use of prop

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

History and Etymology for prop

Noun (1)

Middle English proppe, from Middle Dutch, stopper; akin to Middle Low German proppe stopper

Combining form

International Scientific Vocabulary, from propionic (acid)

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Time Traveler for prop

Time Traveler

The first known use of prop was in the 15th century

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Statistics for prop

Cite this Entry

“Prop.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/prop. Accessed 7 Jul. 2020.

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More Definitions for prop

prop

verb

English Language Learners Definition of prop

: to support (something) by placing it against something else or by placing something under it

See the full definition for prop in the English Language Learners Dictionary

prop

verb
\ ˈpräp How to pronounce prop (audio) \
propped; propping

Kids Definition of prop

 (Entry 1 of 3)

1 : to keep from falling or slipping by providing a support under or against … he propped his head on his elbow and studied me closely.— Jean Craighead George, My Side of the Mountain
2 : to give help, encouragement, or support to

prop

noun

Kids Definition of prop (Entry 2 of 3)

: something that supports

prop

noun

Kids Definition of prop (Entry 3 of 3)

: an object used by a performer or actor or used to create a certain effect in a play or movie

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More from Merriam-Webster on prop

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for prop

Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with prop

Spanish Central: Translation of prop

Nglish: Translation of prop for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of prop for Arabic Speakers

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