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
Synonyms
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 WebDorian Smith-Garcia, Parents, 16 May 2024
Roblox has made efforts to prop itself up by integrating ads into its platform.
—Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 9 May 2024
In the Noël Coward suite, charming landscape oils by the playwright, actor and composer hang on walls and are propped on an easel.
—Jane Margolies, New York Times, 8 May 2024
The first casualty is a gleaming trumpet, propped heroically on its bell at the top of the pile.
—Julian Sancton, The Hollywood Reporter, 8 May 2024
This one is large with a 15-inch screen and your gift recipient can hang it on the wall or use the metal stand to prop it on a table.
—Medea Giordano, WIRED, 8 May 2024
Cornell, who is covering the case for CNN, even brought several seat cushions to prop herself up for a higher vantage point.
—Joe Hernandez, NPR, 7 May 2024
Measuring 30 x 40 inches, the blanket can be used to keep your little one warm in their car seat, prop them up in their stroller, or for playtime and tummy time.
—Phoebe Sklansky, Parents, 4 Apr. 2024
That just might be the best use case, propped on your knees in the park or sitting on your favorite bench.
—Anthony Karcz, Forbes, 27 Mar. 2024
Jack Smart, Peoplemag, 3 May 2024
And while a larger X-wing starfighter prop that was used in the 2019 film Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker hangs at the National Air and Space Museum in downtown Washington, D.C., the drone unveiled this month may inspire viewers in a different way.
—Kelyn Soong, Smithsonian Magazine, 3 May 2024
Yes, Donny eventually has a career breakthrough, when a physical fight with Martha and a crowd that fails to respond to his hacky prop comedy drive him to confess his whole saga—stalking, Darrien, and all—onstage.
—Judy Berman, TIME, 19 Apr. 2024
So in addition to standard directing tasks of knowing and teaching the staging, her work in rehearsal includes giving cues and making sure props are set up correctly.
—Jim Higgins, Journal Sentinel, 15 Apr. 2024
She was found guilty of involuntary manslaughter after loading a prop gun that killed the movie's cinematographer, Halyna Hutchins.
—Mandalit Del Barco, NPR, 15 Apr. 2024
She also was tasked with the job of prop assistant.
—Meg James, Los Angeles Times, 15 Apr. 2024
Hutchins was killed by a live round of ammunition fired from a prop gun held by actor Alec Baldwin on October 21, 2021.
—Christina Maxouris, CNN, 15 Apr. 2024
The props would be a piano, a couple of chairs, a walker and a wheelchair.
—Sarah Bahr, New York Times, 3 Apr. 2024
Verb
Avoid propping bottles up, as this can also pose a choking risk and may even cause ear infections.
—Dorian Smith-Garcia, Parents, 16 May 2024
Roblox has made efforts to prop itself up by integrating ads into its platform.
—Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 9 May 2024
In the Noël Coward suite, charming landscape oils by the playwright, actor and composer hang on walls and are propped on an easel.
—Jane Margolies, New York Times, 8 May 2024
The first casualty is a gleaming trumpet, propped heroically on its bell at the top of the pile.
—Julian Sancton, The Hollywood Reporter, 8 May 2024
This one is large with a 15-inch screen and your gift recipient can hang it on the wall or use the metal stand to prop it on a table.
—Medea Giordano, WIRED, 8 May 2024
Cornell, who is covering the case for CNN, even brought several seat cushions to prop herself up for a higher vantage point.
—Joe Hernandez, NPR, 7 May 2024
Measuring 30 x 40 inches, the blanket can be used to keep your little one warm in their car seat, prop them up in their stroller, or for playtime and tummy time.
—Phoebe Sklansky, Parents, 4 Apr. 2024
That just might be the best use case, propped on your knees in the park or sitting on your favorite bench.
—Anthony Karcz, Forbes, 27 Mar. 2024
Noun
He’s even shot with the fake weapon and pretends to fall dead, a knowing wink to the fact that all of the guns featured in the movie are props.
—Jack Smart, Peoplemag, 3 May 2024
And while a larger X-wing starfighter prop that was used in the 2019 film Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker hangs at the National Air and Space Museum in downtown Washington, D.C., the drone unveiled this month may inspire viewers in a different way.
—Kelyn Soong, Smithsonian Magazine, 3 May 2024
Yes, Donny eventually has a career breakthrough, when a physical fight with Martha and a crowd that fails to respond to his hacky prop comedy drive him to confess his whole saga—stalking, Darrien, and all—onstage.
—Judy Berman, TIME, 19 Apr. 2024
So in addition to standard directing tasks of knowing and teaching the staging, her work in rehearsal includes giving cues and making sure props are set up correctly.
—Jim Higgins, Journal Sentinel, 15 Apr. 2024
She was found guilty of involuntary manslaughter after loading a prop gun that killed the movie's cinematographer, Halyna Hutchins.
—Mandalit Del Barco, NPR, 15 Apr. 2024
She also was tasked with the job of prop assistant.
—Meg James, Los Angeles Times, 15 Apr. 2024
Hutchins was killed by a live round of ammunition fired from a prop gun held by actor Alec Baldwin on October 21, 2021.
—Christina Maxouris, CNN, 15 Apr. 2024
The props would be a piano, a couple of chairs, a walker and a wheelchair.
—Sarah Bahr, New York Times, 3 Apr. 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'prop.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Cite this Entry
“Prop.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/prop. Accessed 20 May. 2024.
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
Share