ENGLISH
REFERENCE

prop

n. countable
B2 Upper Intermediate US //ˈpɹɑp// UK //pɹˈɒp// prop Archaic Informal Slang

n. an object used by actors during a play or movie to make the scene look real. You use this word for anything from a fake sword to a coffee cup on a set.

n. a portable object used on the set of a play or film to further the action or establish a setting. Derived from 'property'; distinct from scenery or costumes.


SIMPLE

The actor forgot his prop on the table.

CONTEXTUAL

The stage manager spent the afternoon sourcing a vintage telephone to use as a prop for the second act.

COMPLEX

While the background furniture remains static, every prop handled by the protagonist serves to externalize their internal state through tactile interaction.

Synonyms
Etymology 1

From Middle English proppe (“a prop, support, support for a vine or plant”), from Middle Dutch proppe (“support, support for a vine, stopper for a bottle”). Compare Middle Low German proppe (“plug, stopper”), German Pfropfen (“plug”), Danish prop (“plug, stopper”).

Etymology 2

Clipping of property.

Etymology 3

Clipping of propeller.

Etymology 4

Clipping of proposition.

Etymology 5

Clipping of propagation.

Etymology 6

Clipping of testosterone propionate.

Usage

Often used in the plural ('props') when referring to the department responsible for them.

Idioms2 entries

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