# mop

/ˈmɑp/ (US) · /mˈɒp/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/mop
Updated: 2026-08-08

## Senses

### 1. cleaning tool

noun · CEFR A2

a tool with a long handle and a bunch of thick strings or a sponge on the end, used for washing floors.

For teachers: an implement for washing floors consisting of a bundle of coarse yarn, cloth, or a sponge fastened to a long handle.

- He grabbed the mop and a bucket of soapy water to clean the kitchen floor.
- The janitor left the mop soaking in a disinfectant solution while he went to fetch a 'caution: wet floor' sign.

### 2. thick hair

noun · CEFR B2 · Humorous · Informal

a lot of thick, messy hair on someone's head.

For teachers: a thick, dense, or untidy mass of hair on a person's head.

- The young boy had a messy mop of blonde hair that always fell into his eyes.
- Despite his professional attire, he struggled to tame the unruly mop of curls that seemed resistant to any styling product.

### 5. to clean a floor

verb · CEFR A2

to wash or wipe a floor using a mop and water.

For teachers: to clean, wash, or wipe a surface using a mop or a similar absorbent material.

- Could you please mop the floor after you finish cooking?
- The kitchen staff were instructed to mop the tiles thoroughly at the end of every shift to maintain hygiene standards.

Usage: Often used with 'up' to mean cleaning a spill.

### 6. to wipe sweat

verb · CEFR B1

to wipe sweat or liquid from your face or another surface.

For teachers: to wipe away moisture, typically sweat from the brow, with an absorbent cloth or the hand.

- He stopped running for a moment to mop his brow with a handkerchief.
- The tennis player paused between sets to mop the perspiration from his forehead before resuming the match.

## Examples

- I need a mop to clean up the spilled juice.
- After the heavy rain leaked into the kitchen, we used a mop to soak up the water from the tiles.
- The janitor systematically worked his way across the lobby, dipping the mop into a bucket of soapy water before scrubbing the scuff marks left by the morning commuters.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.