reap

verb

ˈrēp How to pronounce reap (audio)
reaped; reaping; reaps
Synonyms of reap

transitive verb

1
a(1)
: to cut with a sickle, scythe, or reaping machine
(2)
: to clear of a crop by reaping
b
: to gather by reaping : harvest
2
: obtain, win

intransitive verb

: to reap something

Synonyms of reap

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Examples of reap in a Sentence

She is now reaping the benefits of her hard work. He reaped large profits from his investments. The workers were out reaping the crops. The workers were out reaping in the fields.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
In South Africa, Lebanon, and Germany, their central governments reaped the windfall. — Jason Ma, Fortune, 25 Oct. 2026 The railroads have yet to reap the price benefits of the volume growth, since intermodal rates are set in an annual bid season each fall and winter. — Glenn Taylor, Footwear News, 23 Oct. 2026 The platform continued to reap the benefits of record-high viewership for the FIFA World Cup, as the final games played out at the beginning of the quarter and aired on NBCUniversal's Telemundo and on Peacock. — Catriona Marangi, CNBC, 22 Oct. 2026 Investors sent chip stocks soaring this year on expectations for a massive AI buildout and a shortage of chips that would allow the companies to reap enormous profits. — John Towfighi, CNN Money, 16 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for reap

Word History

Etymology

Middle English repen, from Old English reopan

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a(1)

Time Traveler
The first known use of reap was before the 12th century

Phrases Containing reap

Rhymes for reap

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Browse Nearby Words

reannexation
reap
reaper
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Cite this Entry

“Reap.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/reap. Accessed 1 Nov. 2026.

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Kids Definition

reap

verb
ˈrēp How to pronounce reap (audio)
1
a
: to cut (as grain) or clear (as a field) with a sickle, scythe, or machine
b
: harvest entry 2 sense 1
reap a crop
2
: to get as a result
reap the benefit of hard work
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