reap

verb

ˈrēp 
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 the meantime, a large number of Florida residents and businesses would reap no benefit from this amendment at all. — Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board, The Orlando Sentinel, 23 Aug. 2026 On one hand, losses are out of control in the Premier League even as the division reaps far more in revenue than anywhere else. — Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 21 Aug. 2026 The latest entry to cross the pond is unlikely to reap similar success despite the presence of Claire Foy and Andrew Garfield in leading roles and a supporting cast featuring some of England’s finest thespians. — Frank Scheck, HollywoodReporter, 20 Aug. 2026 And after a summer spent in the ocean and pool, my skin is certainly reaping the benefits of this nourishing drugstore lotion. — Jessie Quinn, StyleCaster, 19 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
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Cite this Entry

“Reap.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/reap. Accessed 29 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

reap

verb
ˈrēp 
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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