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.
Opponents also rallied around the fact that Iceland already reaps benefits from being in the EU’s frictionless single market and the Schengen free-travel zone without the sovereignty compromises that come with full membership. — Kwiyeon Ha, Fortune, 30 Aug. 2026 Opponents rallied around fishing and the fact that Iceland already reaps benefits from being in the EU’s frictionless single market and the Schengen free-travel zone without the sovereignty compromises that inevitably come with full membership. — ABC News, 30 Aug. 2026 To reap their full nutritional benefits, opt for plain, unsalted, and unsweetened varieties, suggests Kristen Smith, MS, RDN, and spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. — Randi Gollin, Martha Stewart, 30 Aug. 2026 Publishers around the world jumped at the chance to reap the benefits of the novel’s long-standing popularity. — Literary Hub, 26 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

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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 1 Sep. 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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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