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.
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
The crew learned to quickly repair the horse damaged by waves, and discovered it took about 250 actors and stunt performers to haul the giant prop.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 20, 2026
To add insult to injury, Wales replacement prop Ben Warren was shown a yellow card for a high tackle on Marco van Staden.
From BBC ● Jul. 18, 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
‘Let’s sew our droppings into the skin and prop it up outside the farmer’s hut.’
From "A Girl Named Disaster" by Nancy Farmer
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
If 4 quantities are in proportion and the second is a mean proportional between the third and fourth, prove that the third will be a mean prop. between the first and second.
From A Review of Algebra by Rivenburg, Romeyn Henry
With regular captain Maro Itoje rested and not on the tour, Jamie George leads from hooker and is part of an experienced front row alongside props Ellis Genge and Joe Heyes.
From BBC ● Jul. 2, 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
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
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
Two girls and a boy from Mr. Jackson’s class would carry props onstage and off.
From "George" by Alex Gino
To many investors this implied that stocks had a floor propped up by the Fed.
From MarketWatch ● Jun. 23, 2026
Leicester Tigers were down in eighth two years ago, while Bath propped up the entire division in 2022.
From BBC ● Jun. 10, 2026
Factories, restaurants and city halls have all shifted into hiring mode, a pivot from last year, when the healthcare industry almost single-handedly propped up job creation.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 6, 2026
Murphy sat with his head propped up on his hand, looking directly back at his former Senate colleague.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 2, 2026
She sat crisscross opposite Coal with the phone propped up on the coffee table, and, like Doc, did all the exercises with him.
From "Boy 2.0" by Tracey Baptiste
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
Displaying them overhead or enshrined on pedestals, as at MoMA, is more dramatic and less ambiguous than propping them against gallery walls.
From The Wall Street Journal ● May 30, 2026
The move lifted the currency from its lowest levels since 2024, where it has hovered since the start of the year, when the government spent around $100 million over several occasions propping up the yen.
From Barron's ● Apr. 30, 2026
He points to two chairs propping up a board covered in red fabric.
From "Shine!" by J.J. and Chris Grabenstein
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.
