Prop

Pronunciation

• IPA: /pɹɒp/
• Rhymes: -É’p

Akin to German Pfropfen and Danish proppe, compare Latin propago ("layer of a plant")

Full definition of prop

Noun

1. An object placed against or under another, to support it; anything that supports.They stuck a block of wood under it as a prop.
2. (rugby) The player who is next to the hooker in a scrum.
3. One of the seashells in the game of props.

Verb

1. (transitive) To support or shore up something.Try using a phone book to prop up the table where the foot is missing.

Abbreviation of property.

Noun

1. (theater, film) An item placed on a stage or set to create a scene or scenario in which actors perform. Contraction of "property".They used the trophy as a prop in the movie.

Usage notes

In stagecraft, usually the term prop is reserved for an object with which an actor or performer interacts (e.g., a glass, a book, or a weapon). Larger items adding to the scene, (e.g. chairs) are considered part of the set.

Props are often non-functional. A prop that is required to function is a "practical" prop.

Abbreviation of propeller.

Noun

1. The propeller of an aircraft.

Abbreviation of proposition.

Noun

1. A proposition, especially on an election-day ballot.

Derived terms

• prop wash
• warm prop