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.
However, a global artificial-intelligence stock rally and recent stock purchases by Chinese state investors to prop up the market could limit a potential correction, they add.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 23, 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
I prop myself up on my elbows and look down.
From "Water for Elephants" by Sara Gruen
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 doctor took it off and gave it to Bernie, the prop. boy, who's helping the electrician."
From The Film Mystery by Reeve, Arthur B. (Arthur Benjamin)
There were props littered around, ranging from nuclear emergency posters to mouldy Egyptian statues - he said the location was often used in films and TV series, including Doctor Who and the Pembrokeshire Murders.
From BBC ● Jul. 11, 2026
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
The video’s props, which were primarily designed using cardboard and felt, were displayed in glass cases for visitors to admire.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 15, 2026
Kyle had to slow down a little to nod and give the guy some props.
From "Mr. Lemoncello's Library Olympics" by Chris Grabenstein
A phone was "propped up on the side and a male voice was telling her what to do next", explained the man.
From BBC ● Jul. 24, 2026
They aborted the search after finding too little room to move safely, and left a board propped over the hole.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 23, 2026
Many apartment buildings have a flimsy first floor, propped up by skinny supports to accommodate carports, garages or storefronts.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 25, 2026
To many investors this implied that stocks had a floor propped up by the Fed.
From MarketWatch ● Jun. 23, 2026
There I propped my backpack on the tabletop like a protective barrier and rested my cheek against the cool wood while I waited for my heart to stop racing.
From "Bye Forever, I Guess" by Jodi Meadows
Automakers, long laser-focused on the new-car market, are now pouring resources into propping up used-car sales, aftermarket parts and maintenance work.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 6, 2026
Meanwhile, Japanese media reported that authorities had spent around $64 billion since last week propping up the yen.
From Barron's ● May 8, 2026
"Most of the investors who are propping up the games industry have frankly fled to AI to a tremendous degree," says Pearce.
From BBC ● Apr. 16, 2026
And propping up Surf City — a wealthy beach town so full of itself that it makes Santa Monica seem as humble as Santa Ana — as the last, best hope to save California?
From Los Angeles Times ● Apr. 9, 2026
“Look,” Jess had said, propping herself up on one elbow.
From "The Honest Truth" by Dan Gemeinhart
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.
