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

This included a pit stop at the base for a mid-run mop clean that lasted four minutes. —PCMAG, 6 Dec. 2024

To save time and energy, snap up this Bissell Crosswave that vacuums and mops — at the same time. —Isabel Garcia, People.com, 30 Nov. 2024

Verb

Robot Vacuum Deals The iRobot Roomba Combo j7+ is a versatile robot vacuum and mop that effectively cleans various surfaces without wetting carpets, thanks to its retractable mop. —Shubham Yewale, PCMAG, 3 Dec. 2024

Routine cleaning typically includes sweeping, vacuuming, or mopping around major household appliances like refrigerators, ovens, or washers and dryers. —Jolie Kerr, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 Nov. 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