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

Our reviewer loved the fact that this station doesn't just automatically empty the dustbin, but also washes and dries the mops, and refills the water tank. —Gabriela Vatu, PCMAG, 23 Oct. 2024

Simply spray on the floor and wipe down with a damp mop or cloth. —Melissa Locker, Southern Living, 4 Oct. 2024

Verb

Patole mops it up with a traditional flatbread made of millets that his mother freshly prepared on a griddle. —Omkar Khandekar, NPR, 15 Dec. 2024

With the help of a Black cook who was known for his backyard barbecue, those ribs were cooked over charcoal and basted — mopped — with a signature sauce giving the meat a texture that’s got some snap. —Leslie Kelly, Forbes, 10 Dec. 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