mop

[ mop ]

/ mɒp /

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See synonyms for: mop / mopped / mopping on Thesaurus.com

noun

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.

a thick mass of hair.

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

verb (used with object), mopped, mop·ping.

to rub, wipe, clean, or remove with a mop (often followed by up): to mop up a spill.

to wipe as if with a mop: to mop the face with a handkerchief.

verb (used without object), mopped, mop·ping.

to clean or wipe with or as if with a mop (often followed by up): First he swept, then he mopped up.

Verb Phrases

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.

QUIZ

CAN YOU ANSWER THESE COMMON GRAMMAR DEBATES?

There are grammar debates that never die; and the ones highlighted in the questions in this quiz are sure to rile everyone up once again. Do you know how to answer the questions that cause some of the greatest grammar debates?

Question 1 of 7

Which sentence is correct?

His boss, whom he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

His boss, who he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT

Idioms about mop

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

Origin of mop

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

Other definitions for mop (2 of 2)

mop²

[ mop ]

/ mɒp /

British Dialect

verb (used without object), mopped, mop·ping.

to make a disappointed or unhappy face; grimace: an unruly child that mops and mows.

noun

a wry face; grimace.

Origin of mop

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. 2023

How to use mop in a sentence

This is a great go-to vacuum for those of you who don’t necessarily need a mop or a camera.
Best robot vacuum: Clean up without lifting a finger|Carsen Joenk|December 18, 2020|Popular-Science
It simultaneously mops as it vacuums with built-in carpet detection that doubles the suction value and cancels the mop.
Best robot vacuum: Clean up without lifting a finger|Carsen Joenk|December 18, 2020|Popular-Science
They’re also the perfect size to attach to your Swiffer mop—you won’t have to worry about throwing away all of those wet pads over and over!
7 gifts to take the stress out of stress-cleaning|Jessica Boddy|December 16, 2020|Popular-Science
Skinny, with a mop of asymmetrically styled brown hair, Jumper is a boyish 35 and looks a bit like the bass guitarist in a late-1990s high school garage band.
Know when to fold ’em: How a company best known for playing games used A.I. to solve one of biology’s greatest mysteries|Jeremy Kahn|November 30, 2020|Fortune

This is great for any bathroom tiles that need a little extra scrub, though you probably don’t want to use a steam mop on your hardwoods or any other softer materials.
Home and office products that make sure-fire gifts|PopSci Commerce Team|October 8, 2020|Popular-Science
There was some mopping up to do, particularly to convince waverers in the Jewish community.
How the Chuck Hagel Fight Changed the American Jewish Landscape in Washington|J. J. Goldberg|August 20, 2013|DAILY BEAST
It would be foolish to start hoarding the Pupperoni just so that we'd have more time and money to spend on frequent mopping.
The Economics of Puppy Management|Megan McArdle|February 22, 2013|DAILY BEAST
Irizarry spent the morning mopping the floors—“it still smells like fish everywhere,” she said—and taking stock.
Residents in Red Hook, Brooklyn, Assess the Damage After Sandy|Eliza Shapiro|October 31, 2012|DAILY BEAST
You go to the source, there is no point mopping up until you have fixed the actual leak.
Norway Puts Hate on Trial, With Anders Behring Breivik’s Ugly Beliefs|Asne Seierstad|April 15, 2012|DAILY BEAST
President Obama could start mopping up this hot mess by causing some heads to roll in his Chicago campaign headquarters.
An Obama Campaign Photo That Looks Like a Young Republican Rally|Mansfield Frazier|April 10, 2012|DAILY BEAST
He shifted uneasily, while his handkerchief was kept busy mopping the perspiration from his brow.
The Homesteader|Oscar Micheaux
Presently the set concluded; and the next moment he was at my side in a high state of exhilaration, mopping and breathless.
Blackwood's Edinburgh Magazine, Volume 67, Number 414, April, 1850|Various
The pleasant looking woman was mopping the kitchen floor, and Mary, for the first time, noticed that she was very lame.
The English Orphans|Mary Jane Holmes
Lieutenant Banning, mopping his brow, stepped forward to felicitate his commanding officer.
The Argus Pheasant|John Charles Beecham
This yellow man did no mopping; his skin had the gloss of a salamander's, and his eyes were like dusky jewels.
Where the Pavement Ends|John Russell

British Dictionary definitions for mop (1 of 3)

mop¹

/ (mɒp) /

noun

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

something resembling this, such as a tangle of hair

verb mops, mopping or mopped

(tr often foll by up) to clean or soak up with or as if with a mop

Word Origin for mop

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 /

verb mops, mopping or mopped

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

noun

such a face or expression

Word Origin for mop

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

British Dictionary definitions for mop (3 of 3)

mop³

/ (mɒp) /

noun

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

Word Origin for mop

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

mop

Idioms about mop

Origin of mop

Other definitions for mop (2 of 2)

Origin of mop

Words related to mop

How to use mop in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for mop (1 of 3)

Word Origin for mop

British Dictionary definitions for mop (2 of 3)

Word Origin for mop

British Dictionary definitions for mop (3 of 3)

Word Origin for mop