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.
Unsurprisingly, firms reaping profits from the AI boom steal the show. — Naazneen Karmali, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026 NBCUniversal’s Telemundo and Peacock, which aired the Spanish language broadcast of the games, also reaped strong viewership and ad dollars. — Lillian Rizzo, CNBC, 6 Aug. 2026 For scientists like Cohen, these molecules are an exciting area of research that could reap significant health breakthroughs. — Los Angeles Times, 6 Aug. 2026 Other indigenous peoples know it as the Corn Moon, Harvest Moon and Ricing Moon, to reflect the time when various crops are ready to be reaped and collected. — Anthony Wood, Space.com, 4 Aug. 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

See All Rhymes for reap

Browse Nearby Words

reannexation
reap
reaper
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Reap.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/reap. Accessed 11 Aug. 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

More from Merriam-Webster on reap

Nglish: Translation of reap for Spanish Speakers

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