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
Synonyms
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.
Recent Examples on the WebPhoebe Sklansky, Parents, 4 Apr. 2024
That just might be the best use case, propped on your knees in the park or sitting on your favorite bench.
—Anthony Karcz, Forbes, 27 Mar. 2024
The over/under odds on Porter’s player props against the Clippers were set at 5.5 points, 4.5 rebounds, 1.5 assists and 0.5 3-point goals.
—Jason Anderson, Sacramento Bee, 27 Mar. 2024
That prevented the jury from asserting their obligation to hear testimony from director Joel Souza, who was wounded in the shooting while standing near Hutchins, as well as assistant director and safety coordinator Dave Halls and props master Sarah Zachry.
—Morgan Lee, USA TODAY, 15 Mar. 2024
An additional tray to prop iPads and phones against is also shown.
—Natalia Senanayake, Peoplemag, 6 Mar. 2024
Excavators have heaped rubble at the base of the Uranus Building, to prop it up.
—Wayne Chang, CNN, 5 Apr. 2024
The Russian leader continues to draw on a broad base among ordinary Russians—support built over nearly a quarter century that can prop him up even if many of these backers sour on the war itself.
—Timothy Frye, Foreign Affairs, 25 Mar. 2024
But a flurry of regional bank failures could have just as big an impact as the failure of a single large one, and the Fed might be motivated to step in and prop them up to contain the ripple effects.
—Dylan Sloan, Fortune, 14 Mar. 2024
Judy Berman, TIME, 19 Apr. 2024
So in addition to standard directing tasks of knowing and teaching the staging, her work in rehearsal includes giving cues and making sure props are set up correctly.
—Jim Higgins, Journal Sentinel, 15 Apr. 2024
She was found guilty of involuntary manslaughter after loading a prop gun that killed the movie's cinematographer, Halyna Hutchins.
—Mandalit Del Barco, NPR, 15 Apr. 2024
She also was tasked with the job of prop assistant.
—Meg James, Los Angeles Times, 15 Apr. 2024
Hutchins was killed by a live round of ammunition fired from a prop gun held by actor Alec Baldwin on October 21, 2021.
—Christina Maxouris, CNN, 15 Apr. 2024
The props would be a piano, a couple of chairs, a walker and a wheelchair.
—Sarah Bahr, New York Times, 3 Apr. 2024
One of the most iconic props in cinema history—the floating wooden panel from Titanic—has sold at auction for $718,750.
—Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 29 Mar. 2024
That includes on props and live betting, which is most popular during March Madness.
Passport: Explore the finest destinations and experiences around the world in the Forbes Passport newsletter.
—Jay Ginsbach, Forbes, 29 Mar. 2024
Verb
Measuring 30 x 40 inches, the blanket can be used to keep your little one warm in their car seat, prop them up in their stroller, or for playtime and tummy time.
—Phoebe Sklansky, Parents, 4 Apr. 2024
That just might be the best use case, propped on your knees in the park or sitting on your favorite bench.
—Anthony Karcz, Forbes, 27 Mar. 2024
The over/under odds on Porter’s player props against the Clippers were set at 5.5 points, 4.5 rebounds, 1.5 assists and 0.5 3-point goals.
—Jason Anderson, Sacramento Bee, 27 Mar. 2024
That prevented the jury from asserting their obligation to hear testimony from director Joel Souza, who was wounded in the shooting while standing near Hutchins, as well as assistant director and safety coordinator Dave Halls and props master Sarah Zachry.
—Morgan Lee, USA TODAY, 15 Mar. 2024
An additional tray to prop iPads and phones against is also shown.
—Natalia Senanayake, Peoplemag, 6 Mar. 2024
Excavators have heaped rubble at the base of the Uranus Building, to prop it up.
—Wayne Chang, CNN, 5 Apr. 2024
The Russian leader continues to draw on a broad base among ordinary Russians—support built over nearly a quarter century that can prop him up even if many of these backers sour on the war itself.
—Timothy Frye, Foreign Affairs, 25 Mar. 2024
But a flurry of regional bank failures could have just as big an impact as the failure of a single large one, and the Fed might be motivated to step in and prop them up to contain the ripple effects.
—Dylan Sloan, Fortune, 14 Mar. 2024
Noun
Yes, Donny eventually has a career breakthrough, when a physical fight with Martha and a crowd that fails to respond to his hacky prop comedy drive him to confess his whole saga—stalking, Darrien, and all—onstage.
—Judy Berman, TIME, 19 Apr. 2024
So in addition to standard directing tasks of knowing and teaching the staging, her work in rehearsal includes giving cues and making sure props are set up correctly.
—Jim Higgins, Journal Sentinel, 15 Apr. 2024
She was found guilty of involuntary manslaughter after loading a prop gun that killed the movie's cinematographer, Halyna Hutchins.
—Mandalit Del Barco, NPR, 15 Apr. 2024
She also was tasked with the job of prop assistant.
—Meg James, Los Angeles Times, 15 Apr. 2024
Hutchins was killed by a live round of ammunition fired from a prop gun held by actor Alec Baldwin on October 21, 2021.
—Christina Maxouris, CNN, 15 Apr. 2024
The props would be a piano, a couple of chairs, a walker and a wheelchair.
—Sarah Bahr, New York Times, 3 Apr. 2024
One of the most iconic props in cinema history—the floating wooden panel from Titanic—has sold at auction for $718,750.
—Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 29 Mar. 2024
That includes on props and live betting, which is most popular during March Madness.
Passport: Explore the finest destinations and experiences around the world in the Forbes Passport newsletter.
—Jay Ginsbach, Forbes, 29 Mar. 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'prop.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near prop
Cite this Entry
“Prop.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/prop. Accessed 26 Apr. 2024.
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
Share