mop

1 of 2

noun

ˈmäp 

1

: an implement made of absorbent material fastened to a handle and used especially for cleaning floors

2

: something that resembles a mop

especially : a thick mass of hair

mop

2 of 2

verb

mopped; mopping

transitive verb

1

: to use a mop on

specifically : to clean or clear away by mopping

mop the floors

—often used with up

mop up the spillage

2

: to wipe as if with a mop

mopped his brow with a handkerchief

intransitive verb

: to clean a surface (such as a floor) with a mop

mopper noun

Examples of mop in a Sentence

Verb

He mopped the sweat from his brow.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

In your flood kit, keep cleaning supplies such as bleach, mops, and buckets on hand. —Kristine Gill, Better Homes & Gardens, 27 June 2024

Unlike some other combo vacuum cleaners that have to switch between modes, this one actually vacuums and mops simultaneously during the same pass. —Stephanie Osmanski, Southern Living, 25 June 2024

Verb

Just two tablespoons of borax mixed with one gallon of water in a bucket will be enough to mop and disinfect floors. —Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 29 June 2024

Reader, this expansion is mopping the floor with me. —Kevin Purdy, Ars Technica, 18 June 2024

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English mappe

First Known Use

Noun

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1709, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Phrases Containing mop

• dry mop
• dust mop
• mop up

Kids Definition

mop

1 of 2 noun

ˈmäp 

1

: a tool for cleaning made of a bundle of cloth or yarn or a sponge fastened to a handle

2

: something resembling a mop

a tangled mop of hair

mop

2 of 2 verb

mopped; mopping

: to wipe or clean with or as if with a mop

mop the floor

mopped my brow with a handkerchief