propped; propping
1
a
: to support by placing something under or against
—often used with up
b
: to support by placing against something
2
: sustain, strengthen
—often used with up
a government propped up by the military
1
: property sense 3
stage props
2
: something used in creating or enhancing a desired effect
buy books … as cultural props because they want to appear literate—
John Powers
John Powers
: related to propionic acid
propane
propyl
Examples of prop in a Sentence
Noun (1)
a prop kept the porch of the dilapidated house from collapsing
Verb
She propped the rake against a tree.
We propped the shed's roof with poles.
The window was propped open.
Recent Examples on the Web
arkansasonline.com, 3 July 2025
She was attached to the piece and ended up propping it against the wall in the center of her bathroom vanity.
—Dina Cheney, Los Angeles Times, 30 June 2025
Tim Lammers, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025
The museum also houses the Lucas Archive, containing models, props, concept art, and costumes from Lucas’s filmmaking career.
Co-founded by Lucas and Mellody Hobson and to be located in LA’s Exposition Park, the museum is slated to open in 2026.
—Borys Kit, HollywoodReporter, 11 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for prop
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Verb
However, a guest accidentally left her house's front door propped open during a thunderstorm, prompting Niko to go on an adventure.
—arkansasonline.com, 3 July 2025
She was attached to the piece and ended up propping it against the wall in the center of her bathroom vanity.
—Dina Cheney, Los Angeles Times, 30 June 2025
Noun
Special effects and prop teams go into the gory details that make up the guts of the film.
—Tim Lammers, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025
The museum also houses the Lucas Archive, containing models, props, concept art, and costumes from Lucas’s filmmaking career.
Co-founded by Lucas and Mellody Hobson and to be located in LA’s Exposition Park, the museum is slated to open in 2026.
—Borys Kit, HollywoodReporter, 11 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for prop
Cite this Entry
“Prop.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/prop. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
prop
1 of 4 noun
: something that props or supports
prop
2 of 4 verb
propped; propping
1
a
: to hold up or keep from falling or slipping by placing a support under or against
prop up a broken chair
b
: to support by placing against something
propped the rake against a tree
2
: to give help, encouragement, or support to
propped up by his faith in times of crisis
prop
3 of 4 nounprop
4 of 4 nounLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
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