prop

1 of 6

noun (1)

ˈpräp 

: 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 literate

—John Powers

prop

4 of 6

noun (3)

: propeller

prop

5 of 6

abbreviation

1

property

2

proposition

3

proprietor

prop-

6 of 6

combining form

: related to propionic acid

propane

propyl

Synonyms

Noun (1)

• support
• shore
• brace
• mount
• pillar
• reinforcement
• mounting

Verb

• carry
• sustain
• support
• shore (up)
• stay
• bolster

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

Verb

Key Facts Senate Republicans released the latest version of the spending bill Friday, propping the measure up for a vote that could be successful even if three GOP members vote against it. —Antonio Pequeño Iv, Forbes.com, 28 June 2025

Today, an effigy of Bezos with his pants down sitting on a toilet was installed opposite the Palazzo Ducale near St Mark’s Square, Amazon boxes propping it up. —Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 26 June 2025

Noun

The 35-time Grammy Award winner rides on a red prop car over the audience during the song, but halfway through the track, the car stopped and tilted, prompting her to pause the show. —Megan Cartwright, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 June 2025

The allegations in the investigation are related to NBA games and prop bets. —Demicia Inman, VIBE.com, 30 June 2025

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

Phrases Containing prop

• prop forward
• prop root
• prop up

Rhymes for prop

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

Kids Definition

prop

1 of 4 noun

ˈpräp 

: 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

: property sense 4

prop

4 of 4 noun

: propeller