prop
prop Lexical Profile
prop Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A portable object, distinct from costumes and large scenery, used by actors during a theatrical performance, film, or television production.
"The stage manager carefully arranged every prop on the table before the curtain rose."
A pole, beam, or other rigid object placed beneath or against a structure to hold it up or keep it in position; figuratively, a person or thing that provides vital support.
"They used a heavy wooden timber as a prop to keep the sagging roof from collapsing."
An informal term for the mechanical propeller of an aircraft or boat.
"The mechanic inspected the twin-engine plane's left prop for any nicks or damage before takeoff."
Either of the two front-row forwards positioned on either side of the hooker in a rugby scrum.
"The veteran tighthead prop anchored the scrum throughout the second half of the championship match."
• verb
To support, hold up, or keep something in position by placing it against a stable surface or placing a rigid object beneath it.
"She propped her bicycle against the brick wall and walked into the library."
Australian To come to a sudden stop with the forelegs rigid (especially of a horse or other animal).
"The startled horse propped at the edge of the creek, nearly unseating its rider."
Word Nuance & Usage
The word "prop" represents three etymologically distinct terms: a physical support (often used with "up"), an abbreviation of theatrical "property", and an informal clipping of "propeller". In the plural form "props" (short for "proper respect"), it is widely used in informal contexts to mean recognition or credit.
• Rhymes for prop
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
In the sense of a physical support, the word entered Middle English from Middle Dutch "proppe", meaning a support for vines or a bottle stopper. The theatrical sense emerged in the mid-19th century as a shortened form of "property", while the aviation and marine sense arose in the early 20th century as an abbreviation of "propeller".