- 1a piece of wood, metal, etc. used to support something or keep it in position Rescuers used props to stop the roof of the tunnel collapsing. a pit prop (= one used in a coal mine)
- 2a person or thing that gives help or support to somebody/something that is weak After being the emotional prop he needed for so long, she dared not leave him. Many people use alcohol as a social prop.
- 3[usually plural] a small object used by actors during the performance of a play or in a film/movie He is responsible for all the stage props and lighting. Wordfinderstagebackdrop, costume, curtain, footlights, prop, proscenium, scenery, set, stage, the wings See related entries: In the theatre, Film-making equipment, Making films
- 4(also prop forward) (in rugby) a player on either side of the front row of a scrum See related entries: Rugby Word Originnoun senses 1 to 2 and noun sense 4 late Middle English: probably from Middle Dutch proppe ‘support (for vines)’. noun sense 3 mid 19th cent.: abbreviation of property.Idioms
prop
nounBrE BrE//prɒp//; NAmE NAmE//prɑːp//
In the theatre, Film-making equipment, Making films, Rugby(informal) used to say that people should appreciate what somebody has done because it is good I gotta give props to the bass player. Please give props to the researchers for all their work. Props here means ‘proper respect or recognition’.
Check pronunciation: prop
