mop

¹

[mop]

noun

1. a bundle of coarse yarn, a sponge, or other absorbent material, fastened at the end of a stick or handle for washing floors, dishes, etc.

2. a thick mass of hair.

3. a polishing wheel having several layers of cloth secured by a boss.

verb (used with object)

mopped, mopping 

1. to rub, wipe, clean, or remove with a mop (often followed byup ).

   to mop up a spill.

2. to wipe as if with a mop.

   to mop the face with a handkerchief.

verb (used without object)

mopped, mopping 

1. to clean or wipe with or as if with a mop (often followed byup ).

   First he swept, then he mopped up.

verb phrase

1. mop up

   1. Military.,  to clear (ground, trenches, towns, etc.) of scattered or remaining enemy combatants after attacking forces have conquered the area.

   2. Informal.,  to dispose of; complete; finish.

      He mopped up the rest of his business and went on a vacation.

mop

²

[mop]

verb (used without object)

mopped, mopping 

1. to make a disappointed or unhappy face; grimace.

   an unruly child that mops and mows.

noun

1. a wry face; grimace.

mop

¹

/ mɒp /

noun

1. an implement with a wooden handle and a head made of twists of cotton or a piece of synthetic sponge, used for polishing or washing floors, or washing dishes

2. something resembling this, such as a tangle of hair

verb

1. to clean or soak up with or as if with a mop

mop

²

/ mɒp /

verb

1. (intr) to make a grimace or sad expression (esp in the phrase mop and mow )

noun

1. such a face or expression

mop

³

/ mɒp /

noun

1. (in various parts of England) an annual fair at which formerly servants were hired

Word History and Origins

Origin of mop¹

First recorded in 1375–1425; earlier map, late Middle English mappe, shortening f mappel, from Medieval Latin mappula, mappa “handtowel, cloth,” equivalent to Latin mapp(a) “napkin” + -ula -ule

Origin of mop²

First recorded in 1450–1500 for the noun, and in 1560–70 for the verb; perhaps akin to Dutch moppen “to mutter, pout”

Word History and Origins

Origin of mop¹

C15 mappe , from earlier mappel , from Medieval Latin mappula cloth, from Latin mappa napkin

Origin of mop²

C16: perhaps from Dutch moppen to pour; compare Dutch mop pug dog

Origin of mop³

C17: from the practice of servants carrying a mop, broom, or flail, etc, to signify the job sought

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. mop the floor with. floor.

Example Sentences

Detainees rushed to get trash cans and mops, but in some cells water rose.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Her forfeit was to straighten her mop of curly hair for the team's evening meal.

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Trying to rob his employer one night with a mop dipped in toxic muck, Winston is shot and thrown into said slop.

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"We are rather tired after a hectic night of frantic mopping," she said.

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As a young girl, it’s so different: “Oh, come into my apartment — I don’t know how to mop. Welcome!”

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Related Words

• dab 
• swab 
• wipe