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
ABC News, 14 Feb. 2026
However, LaVine put on an epic performance that was less reliant on props and just as incendiary.
—Zach Harper, New York Times, 12 Feb. 2026
Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 6 Feb. 2026
The debt that props some people up and keeps others down.
—Literary Hub, 6 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for prop
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show current usage.
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Noun
McMorrow is in the state Senate's Democratic leadership and has gained national recognition for a few viral moments in recent years, including bringing a Project 2025 prop to the party's national convention in 2024.
—ABC News, 14 Feb. 2026
However, LaVine put on an epic performance that was less reliant on props and just as incendiary.
—Zach Harper, New York Times, 12 Feb. 2026
Verb
Literally — rise up by elevating yourself in bed, courtesy of Coop Sleep Goods’ Adjustable Wedge Pillow, which can unblock breathing, alleviate everything from acid reflux to back aches, and, when propped under your legs, do wonders in the swelling department.
—Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 6 Feb. 2026
The debt that props some people up and keeps others down.
—Literary Hub, 6 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for prop
Cite this Entry
“Prop.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/prop. Accessed 17 Feb. 2026.
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
