prop
4 synonyms and 0 antonyms for prop, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — An object used to support something, or to keep it in place.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use prop
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Middle Dutch proppe ("support, plug"), related to German Pfropfen ("plug").
Full origin of prop →Frequently asked questions
What does “prop” mean?
The word “prop” means an object used to support something, or to keep it in place. In plain terms, something used to hold another thing up or steady, or an object used on a film/stage set.
How do you pronounce “prop”?
“Prop” is pronounced prop (/pɹɑp/ in IPA).
How do you use “prop” in a sentence?
Here is “prop” used in a sentence: “They used a wooden pole as a prop to hold up the sagging fence.”
What part of speech is “prop”?
Depending on how it is used, “prop” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “prop” come from?
The word “prop” comes from German. From Middle Dutch proppe ("support, plug"), related to German Pfropfen ("plug").
Is “prop” a common word?
“Prop” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the C1 level.
How many meanings does “prop” have?
“Prop” has 4 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: an object used to support something, or to keep it in place.
What is the difference between a prop and a set piece in film or theatre?
A prop is an object actors handle or use to help tell the story, such as a phone or a weapon, while a set piece is part of the fixed scenery or environment, such as a wall or a staircase. Props typically move with the action, while set pieces generally stay in place.
What does prop mean on an election ballot?
On a ballot, a prop is short for a proposition, a measure put to voters for approval or rejection, often labeled with a number, such as Prop 8. This sense is distinct from the physical support or stage-object meanings of the word.
What is the difference between prop as a noun and prop as a verb?
As a noun, a prop is an object that supports something or is used on a stage or ballot, while as a verb, to prop means to actively support something by placing an object under or against it, as in "prop the door open."