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 of prop

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

Noun

Among the missing are Angus the bassist, Phyllis the mail-delivering puppet, Holstein, who was holding an intricate saxophone prop, and Dumont, who had a television stand. —Alex Wigglesworth, Los Angeles Times, 11 Feb. 2026

Gene Simmons is giving props to Taylor Swift, whose huge, devoted fanbase reminds the KISS bassist of Beatlemania. —Hannah Dailey, Billboard, 11 Feb. 2026

Verb

Literally — rise up by elevating yourself in bed, courtesy of Coop Sleep Goods’ Adjustable Wedge Pillow, which can unblock breathing, alleviate everything from acid reflux to back aches, and, when propped under your legs, do wonders in the swelling department. —Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 6 Feb. 2026

The debt that props some people up and keeps others down. —Literary Hub, 6 Feb. 2026

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