mopping-up

[ mop-ing-uhp ]
/ ˈmɒp ɪŋˈʌp /

adjective

serving to complete or put the finishing touches to a phase of a particular action.
serving to complete a military campaign by killing or capturing any remaining enemy troops: a mopping-up operation.

Origin of mopping-up

1905–10; mop up + -ing1, used attributively

Words nearby mopping-up

Definition for mopping up (2 of 2)

Origin of mop

1
1375–1425; earlier map, late Middle English mappe, apocopated variant of mappel < Medieval Latin mappula a cloth, equivalent to Latin mapp(a) napkin + -ula -ule

British Dictionary definitions for mopping up (1 of 3)

mop 1
/ (mɒp) /

noun

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
something resembling this, such as a tangle of hair

verb mops, mopping or mopped

(tr often foll by up) to clean or soak up with or as if with a mop
See also mop up

Word Origin for mop

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

British Dictionary definitions for mopping up (2 of 3)

mop 2
/ (mɒp) rare /

verb mops, mopping or mopped

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

noun

such a face or expression

Word Origin for mop

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

British Dictionary definitions for mopping up (3 of 3)

mop 3
/ (mɒp) /

noun

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

Word Origin for mop

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