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mop1

Pronunciation: /mɒp/

Translate mop | into French | into German | into Italian | into Spanish
Definition of mop

noun

  • 1an implement consisting of a bundle of thick loose strings or a sponge attached to a handle, used for wiping floors or other surfaces.
  • [usually in singular] an act of wiping something clean:the kitchen needed a quick mop
  • 2a thick mass of disordered hair:her tousled mop of blonde hair

verb (mops, mopping, mopped)

[with object]
  • clean or soak up liquid from (something) by wiping:she mopped the floor and cleaned out two cupboards
  • [with object and adverbial] wipe (something) away from a surface:a barmaid rushed forward to mop up the spilt beer
  • wipe sweat or tears from (one’s face or eyes):he pulled a handkerchief from his pocket to mop his brow

Phrasal Verbs

mop something up (also mop up)

complete the military conquest of an area by capturing or killing remaining enemy troops:troops mopped up the last pockets of resistance

Derivatives

moppy

adjective

Origin:

late 15th century: perhaps ultimately related to Latin mappa 'napkin'

mop in other Oxford dictionaries

Definition of mop in the US English dictionary