Definitions

from The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition.

  • noun The act or an instance of mopping up; a concluding operation.

Etymologies

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Examples

  • On days three, six, and nine, they used what they called a mop-up drug to make sure there were no more leukemia cells anywhere in my body.

    Beyond the Storm DR. JERRY JONES 1997

  • On days three, six, and nine, they used what they called a mop-up drug to make sure there were no more leukemia cells anywhere in my body.

    Beyond the Storm DR. JERRY JONES 1997

  • The historian of the 11th Airborne describes what MacArthur cavalierly called a mop-up operation.

    The Story of World War II Donald L. Miller 1945

  • The historian of the 11th Airborne describes what MacArthur cavalierly called a mop-up operation.

    The Story of World War II Donald L. Miller 1945

  • But Kessler says the methane mop-up by microorganisms in the Gulf of Mexico is the fastest scientists have ever seen.

    Scientists Find Bacteria Devoured Methane From Gulf Oil Spill 2011

  • Miikka Kiprusoff, Calgary Flames: Relegated to part-time duty by San Jose, the team that originally drafted him, saw lots of mop-up duty and was 14-23 over three seasons with the Sharks.

    With the right supporting cast, talents begin to show 2009

  • But, considering where we started, they are mop-up actions in the wake of a victorious battle.

    Dr. Peggy Drexler: Daddy Confusion Dr. Peggy Drexler 2011

  • Officials said they may still need three to five days of mop-up around Alpine and Nutrioso, but residents should be able to return after that.

    Arizona fires: Wallow grows to 430,000 acres 2011

  • But, considering where we started, they are mop-up actions in the wake of a victorious battle.

    Dr. Peggy Drexler: Daddy Confusion Dr. Peggy Drexler 2011

  • But, considering where we started, they are mop-up actions in the wake of a victorious battle.

    Dr. Peggy Drexler: Daddy Confusion Dr. Peggy Drexler 2011

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