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

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
The play came after another turnover, a string of mistakes increasingly maddening and propping open the door against the severely undermanned Timberwolves. Dan Woike, Los Angeles Times, 11 Mar. 2024 Fox News — which will never support a Democratic candidate for president — is left with no real choice but to prop him up. Oliver Darcy, CNN, 7 Mar. 2024 Wearing a matching pale yellow set, the young artist experimented with splatter paint as her easel was propped on the gravel, resting on a white cloth. Hannah Sacks, Peoplemag, 4 Mar. 2024 Firefighter paramedic Kyle Belton wrapped a blanket over his head and shoulders and propped him up against a building for support. Jenna Portnoy, Washington Post, 13 Feb. 2024 Though Mahan can spend the money propping himself up along with potential allies on the council, San Jose prohibits candidates from carrying funds over to their next election. Gabriel Greschler, The Mercury News, 2 Feb. 2024 The two roles have long propped each other up, to the point that Milam is estimated by some to be a centimillionaire. Ezra Marcus, New York Times, 30 Jan. 2024 On top of that, the federal money that poured into the sector to prop it up during Covid is starting to run out, which could usher in a string of defaults. Dylan Sloan, Fortune, 25 Feb. 2024 This may involve propping yourself up with pillows to reduce pressure on the neck, or side-sleeping to improve circulation. Max Bennett, Discover Magazine, 20 Feb. 2024
Noun
Lee, the son of Bruce Lee, was killed by a prop gun on set in 1993 at the age of 28. Aaron Couch, The Hollywood Reporter, 18 Mar. 2024 Baldwin’s defense team has suggested the prop gun was faulty and may have malfunctioned, leading to its discharge — a theory that is expected to be a centerpiece of the actor’s defense should the case go to trial. Meg James, Los Angeles Times, 15 Mar. 2024 The actor, who was Bruce Lee's son, died after a costar fired a prop gun on set. Charna Flam, Peoplemag, 14 Mar. 2024 During production, Lee died at the age of 28 when he was shot by a prop gun on the set of the film. Jaden Thompson, Variety, 14 Mar. 2024 Or, in the film’s standout scene, a meta-conversation between the two of them involving the usage of split screens — conducted, naturally, via a split-screen — that sees Blunt making excellent use of a prop alien hand. David Fear, Rolling Stone, 13 Mar. 2024 Not only that, but there’s a section dedicated just to props on upcoming fights, which is rare for the UFC. Sponsored Content, The Mercury News, 8 Mar. 2024 There were four or five props, a few jelly beans for the kids. Caitlin O'Kane, CBS News, 29 Feb. 2024 Early in her career, Erin worked as a prop stylist, production designer, and professional organizer while simultaneously freelance writing about DIY and interior design trends for several lifestyle sites. Erin Johnson, Peoplemag, 6 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.

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

Dictionary Entries Near prop

Cite this Entry

“Prop.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/prop. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on prop

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!