prop

1 of 6

noun (1)

: 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 literateJohn Powers

prop

4 of 6

noun (3)

prop

5 of 6

abbreviation

prop-

6 of 6

combining form

: 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
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.
Verb
Derringer, who’s only used to prop guns, becomes an amusing walking metaphor for impotence disguised by nationalistic fervor. Siddhant Adlakha, IndieWire, 27 June 2025 There will be seven categories, ranging from Shakespeare quotes and holiday shows to prop descriptions and scary scripts. Philip Potempa, Chicago Tribune, 12 June 2025
Noun
This could be a moneyline, spread, total or even a prop bet. Tyler Everett, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 July 2025 Dragging a crummy prop staircase laboriously across the tiny club stage at La MaMa, Bassichis promised us that the show had grandeur in store. Helen Shaw, New Yorker, 25 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for prop

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

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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Prop.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/prop. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.

Kids 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 noun

prop

4 of 4 noun

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