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.
Wrestling with the physics of a school bus-sized prop was a way for the filmmakers—and thus the audience—to experience something closer to a real world, van Hoytema said.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 20, 2026
Two Chinese state investment firms have deployed nearly $9 billion to prop up the stock market, after artificial-intelligence fears triggered a selloff in recent weeks.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 20, 2026
He knows there is no foundation to hold him, nothing to prop his steps against, but he tries anyway.
From Salon ● Jul. 18, 2026
The blackouts and power cuts have accelerated since the fuel blockade began, with authorities citing a lack of fuel to run the generators that prop up the national grid.
From Barron's ● Jul. 6, 2026
Pixel managed to get the phone out, prop it on the edge of one of the boxes beneath her chin, and press the answer button with her nose.
From "Witchlings" by Claribel A. Ortega
Thanks to the increased efficiency of waterjets and the lower drag of a shaft-, strut-, prop- and rudder-free bottom, the folks at Huckins expect the boat to run a little bit faster.
From Time Magazine Archive
“I’m almost like a prop. That is a picture of that little boy.”
From Washington Post ● Mar. 2, 2023
“You are very well aware of the rules tonight. And you have a prop. That is not allowed, sir. I ask you to put that prop away,” the moderator said, after a testy exchange.
From Washington Times ● Oct. 15, 2022
Mr. Walker replied, “Well, it’s not a prop. This is real.”
From New York Times ● Oct. 14, 2022
“First of all, we cannot use Bibles as a prop. And for those that have agendas that are not about justice, this family will not let you use George as a prop,” said Mr. Sharpton.
From Washington Times ● Jun. 4, 2020
The Arabic word here translated "recess" is "Aywán," prop. a hall, an open saloon.
From The Book of the Thousand Nights and a Night — Volume 09 by Burton, Richard Francis, Sir
Next to that show’s glittering costumes, huge cast and massive props arsenal, Sheepstealer and his fellow dragons seem downright reasonable.
From Salon ● Jun. 24, 2026
Smartglasses could have sleek battery-packed frames, so they look like everyday eyewear rather than “Revenge of the Nerds” props.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 19, 2026
In the weeks leading to Thursday, Colbert auctioned off a raft of props and costumes featured on the show, as well as pieces of set including a giant illuminated sign.
From Barron's ● May 21, 2026
The auction features more than 500 lots of designer clothing, shoes, furnishings, kitschy keepsakes and props straight from the beloved show.
From Los Angeles Times ● Apr. 28, 2026
It’s a good thing the bottle in my hand isn’t a real firecracker, because the way she jerks her foot back and props herself up on her elbows would’ve set it off.
From "Red Flags and Butterflies" by Sheryl Azzam
Near her Devon home, flowers are now propped against a "Please drive slowly" sign.
From BBC ● Jul. 11, 2026
They propped up a cardboard cutout of Aaron Smith-Levin, a former church member and anti-Scientology protester who was convicted by a jury of misdemeanor battery involving a Scientology staff member.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 7, 2026
To many investors this implied that stocks had a floor propped up by the Fed.
From MarketWatch ● Jun. 23, 2026
Teresa Valdecantos arrived propped up on crutches but was undeterred.
From Barron's ● Jun. 7, 2026
It makes my arm ache and a mess on the floor, but the table is still usable, if propped just right against the wall, and now there’s wood in the stove.
From "The Light in Hidden Places" by Sharon Cameron
One side of the terraced row of houses on Llewellyn Street was demolished and replaced by the motorway, leaving the remaining side staring at either a huge concrete embankment or pillars propping up the M4.
From BBC ● Jul. 21, 2026
Artificial intelligence has been “the one thing” propping up the economy and global markets, according to Apollo Global Management.
From MarketWatch ● Jul. 9, 2026
Japanese authorities spent more than $70 billion last month propping up the currency as it weakened against the greenback.
From Barron's ● Jun. 23, 2026
Some argue that concerns about the budget deficit are also propping up Treasury yields.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Apr. 20, 2026
She was the invisible arm propping the family up.
From "Amal Unbound" by Aisha Saeed
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.
