# prop

/ˈpɹɑp/ (US) · /pɹˈɒp/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/prop
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. a physical support

noun · CEFR B1

an object used to hold something up or keep it in place.

For teachers: a physical object placed under or against another to provide structural support or stability.

- We used a thick wooden prop to keep the old shed door from falling over.
- The builders installed temporary steel props to support the ceiling while the main load-bearing wall was being replaced.

### 2. theatre or film item

noun · CEFR B1

an object used by actors during a play or movie to make the scene look real.

For teachers: any portable object used on the set of a play or film to further the action or establish a setting.

- The actor forgot his prop, so he had to pretend he was holding a phone.
- The production designer spent weeks sourcing authentic 1920s props to ensure the historical drama felt immersive and accurate.

### 3. aircraft propeller

noun · CEFR B2 · Informal · Technical

a short name for a propeller on a plane or boat.

For teachers: a common clipping of 'propeller', referring to the rotating blades that provide thrust.

- The pilot checked the prop for any cracks before taking off.
- As the engine sputtered to life, the prop began to spin, creating a powerful wash of air across the grassy runway.

### 4. rugby position

noun · CEFR B2

a strong player in a rugby team who stays at the front of a 'scrum'.

For teachers: a player positioned on either side of the hooker in the front row of a rugby scrum.

- The team's prop is incredibly strong and helps win every scrum.
- The coach decided to substitute the starting prop in the second half to bring more explosive power to the front row.

### 5. to lean or support

verb · CEFR B1

to lean something against a wall or use an object to hold it up.

For teachers: to support something by placing it against a surface or on a support; often used with 'up'.

- He used a heavy book to prop the window open and let in some fresh air.
- She propped her bicycle against the weathered brick wall and went inside the café to meet her friend.

Usage: Often used as the phrasal verb 'prop up'.

### 6. plant cutting

noun · CEFR C1 · Informal · Technical

a small piece of a plant used to grow a new one.

For teachers: a clipping of 'propagule' or 'propagation', referring to a plant part used for multiplication.

- I took a few props from my succulent to give to my neighbors.
- The gardener carefully placed the props in a tray of moist sand to encourage root development over the winter months.

## Examples

- The actor forgot his prop on the table.
- The stage manager spent the afternoon sourcing a vintage telephone to use as a prop for the second act.
- While the background furniture remains static, every prop handled by the protagonist serves to externalize their internal state through tactile interaction.

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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.