mop

¹

[ mop ]

noun

1. a bundle of coarse yarn, a sponge, or other absorbent material, fastened at the end of a stick or handle for washing floors, dishes, etc.
2. a thick mass of hair.
3. a polishing wheel having several layers of cloth secured by a boss.

verb (used with object)

, mopped, mop·ping.

1. to rub, wipe, clean, or remove with a mop (often followed by up ):

   to mop up a spill.

2. to wipe as if with a mop:

   to mop the face with a handkerchief.

verb (used without object)

, mopped, mop·ping.

1. to clean or wipe with or as if with a mop (often followed by up ):

   First he swept, then he mopped up.

verb phrase

1. 1. Military. to clear (ground, trenches, towns, etc.) of scattered or remaining enemy combatants after attacking forces have conquered the area.
   2. Informal. to dispose of; complete; finish:

      He mopped up the rest of his business and went on a vacation.

mop

²

[ mop ]

verb (used without object)

, mopped, mop·ping.

1. to make a disappointed or unhappy face; grimace:

   an unruly child that mops and mows.

noun

1. a wry face; grimace.

mop

¹

/ mɒp /

noun

1. (in various parts of England) an annual fair at which formerly servants were hired

mop

²

/ mɒp /

noun

1. an implement with a wooden handle and a head made of twists of cotton or a piece of synthetic sponge, used for polishing or washing floors, or washing dishes
2. something resembling this, such as a tangle of hair

verb

1. troften foll byup to clean or soak up with or as if with a mop

mop

³

/ mɒp /

verb

1. intr to make a grimace or sad expression (esp in the phrase mop and mow )

noun

1. such a face or expression

Word History and Origins

Origin of mop¹

First recorded in 1375–1425; earlier map, late Middle English mappe, shortening f mappel, from Medieval Latin mappula, mappa “handtowel, cloth,” equivalent to Latin mapp(a) “napkin” + -ula -ule

Origin of mop²

First recorded in 1450–1500 for the noun, and in 1560–70 for the verb; perhaps akin to Dutch moppen “to mutter, pout”

Word History and Origins

Origin of mop¹

C17: from the practice of servants carrying a mop, broom, or flail, etc, to signify the job sought

Origin of mop²

C15 mappe , from earlier mappel , from Medieval Latin mappula cloth, from Latin mappa napkin

Origin of mop³

C16: perhaps from Dutch moppen to pour; compare Dutch mop pug dog

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. mop the floor with. floor ( def 20 ).

Example Sentences

The fire was 36% contained by Monday morning as firefighters continued mopping up hot spots before winds could again pick up this week, authorities said.

From Los Angeles Times

“We’re continuing to work diligently... to get this fire suppressed, to get things mopped up, to get things closed up and get things things ready for people to come back in,” Gardner said.

From Los Angeles Times

Inmates were burning holes in cell windows to allow the drones in at HMP Garth near Leyland, Lancashire and stealing mops and brooms to use their handles to collect drugs from drones.

From BBC

The 78-year-old tenant spent four hours over an afternoon last week sweeping staircases and common areas and he was finishing by mopping the lobby.

From Los Angeles Times

At one point you discovered some moisture onstage and asked a crew member to bring out a mop.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• dab
• swab
• wipe