mop

1
[ mop ]
See synonyms for: mopmoppedmopping on Thesaurus.com

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.

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

verb (used with object),mopped, mop·ping.
  1. to rub, wipe, clean, or remove with a mop (often followed by up): 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, mop·ping.
  1. to clean or wipe with or as if with a mop (often followed by up): First he swept, then he mopped up.

Verb Phrases
  1. mop up,

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

    • Informal. to dispose of; complete; finish: He mopped up the rest of his business and went on a vacation.

Idioms about mop

  1. mop the floor with. floor (def. 20).

Origin of mop

1
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

Words Nearby mop

Other definitions for mop (2 of 2)

mop2
[ mop ]

verb (used without object),mopped, mop·ping.
  1. to make a disappointed or unhappy face; grimace: an unruly child that mops and mows.

noun
  1. a wry face; grimace.

Origin of mop

2
First recorded in 1450–1500 for the noun, and in 1560–70 for the verb; perhaps akin to Dutch moppen “to mutter, pout”

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024

How to use mop in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for mop (1 of 3)

mop1

/ (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

verbmops, mopping or mopped
  1. (tr often foll by up) to clean or soak up with or as if with a mop

Origin of mop

1
C15 mappe, from earlier mappel, from Medieval Latin mappula cloth, from Latin mappa napkin

British Dictionary definitions for mop (2 of 3)

mop2

/ (mɒp) rare /


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

noun
  1. such a face or expression

Origin of mop

2
C16: perhaps from Dutch moppen to pour; compare Dutch mop pug dog

British Dictionary definitions for mop (3 of 3)

mop3

/ (mɒp) /


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

Origin of mop

3
C17: from the practice of servants carrying a mop, broom, or flail, etc, to signify the job sought

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012