to support, or prevent from falling, with or as if with a prop (often followed byup ).
to prop an old fence; to prop up an unpopular government.
to rest (a thing) against a support.
He propped his cane against the wall.
to support or sustain (often followed byup ).
a stick, rod, pole, beam, or other rigid support.
a person or thing serving as a support or stay.
His father is his financial prop.
properly.
property.
proposition.
proprietary.
proprietor.
(tr) to support with a rigid object, such as a stick
to place or lean
(tr) to sustain or support
(intr) to stop suddenly or unexpectedly
something that gives rigid support, such as a stick
a person or thing giving support, as of a moral or spiritual nature
rugby either of the forwards at either end of the front row of a scrum
What does prop mean? In theater and film, a prop is any item on the set of a production other than the costumes and scenery. It especially refers to an object handled or used by actors during their performance. This can be just about anything: a sword, a supercomputer, and a coffee mug are all examples of things that can be used as props in a production. Sometimes, these are real objects (like the coffee mug), but sometimes they are specially made for the production (like the supercomputer). The word can also be used more generally to refer to an item used in a similar way, such as during a presentation or photoshoot. Example: At my improv class, we have a box of items we can use as props during each scene. Unrelatedly, prop is also a common verb meaning to support something or hold it up, especially by using something else. This sense of the verb is most commonly used in the verb phrase prop up, as in One of the legs is broken so we had to prop up the table with the trash can. It can also be used figuratively, as in Holiday sales are the only thing propping up the company. Prop can also mean rest or lean something against something else that serves as a support, as in I don’t have a stand for my guitar so I just prop it against the wall. Something that serves as a support for something in this way can be called a prop, as in We’ll need to use a prop to keep it stable. Example: Prop the door open with a chair so we don’t get locked out.
First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English noun prop(p)e “support, support for a vine or plant”; cognate with Middle Dutch proppe “bottle stopper,” early Modern Dutch “support for vines”
First recorded in 1910–15; by shortening
First recorded in 1910–15; by shortening
A prop is something you use as a support, like a broom that serves as a prop to hold a door open. A prop is also something that goes on stage, like a garbage can in a Beckett play. When you use a prop, you can say you prop something, or prop it up: "Here, prop your blanket fort up with this chair." This handy word also means "a moveable object used on the set of a movie or play." If you get a film job as a prop master, you'll be in charge of placing props in the correct spot before a scene is shot. This theatrical meaning is actually a shortened form of properties.
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Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Prop Botterman will have a second operation on an ankle injury sustained playing for Bristol in December, while Saracens hooker Campbell will have a knee operation next week.
From BBC • Apr. 16, 2026
Bianco said the investigation was “not a recount” for the Prop.
From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 21, 2026
Prop Rhys Carre, who went over for a storming score against Ireland, is the sole representative from Wales, who finished their campaign on a high by sealing victory over the Italians.
From BBC • Mar. 19, 2026
On Nov. 4, after four months of elevating the issue, Prop 50 passed with nearly 65% of California voters in favor.
From Salon • Nov. 13, 2025
“Yes, grown-up. What do you think, Prop, am I bigger than my father? A bit at least?”
From "The Thief Lord" by Cornelia Funke
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
