props

American

[props] / prɒps /

noun

(usually used with a singular verb)

proper or due respect or recognition; credit.

I give him props for putting up with annoying customers.

props British

/ prɒps /

plural noun

slang proper respect

props to my dad

"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

Etymology

Origin of props

1990–95; Americanism; shortening of earlier propers (in the same sense), from proper , adjective

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

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 props, theatrical at times, seemed to aggravate Waters, then the Democratic chairwoman of the Financial Services Committee.

From Los Angeles Times • May 11, 2026

Kinko props the lid open and walks away.

From "Water for Elephants" by Sara Gruen

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023