reap

verb

ˈrēp 

reaped; reaping; reaps

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

• gather
• harvest
• pick

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

The strong fragrance deter pests that often plague Brassica family plants, the garden expert shares, so plant them with Brussels sprouts, broccoli, and cabbage to reap the full benefits. —Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 28 Mar. 2025

Captains and seamen alike reaped the benefits of having these scientists on board with them. —Will McGough, Forbes.com, 26 Mar. 2025

There are also a slew of women’s styles under $100, and your husband or boyfriend can also reap the benefits of AllSaints’ discounts with an extra 30% off AllSaints men’s styles, plus check out select sales picks under $150. —Alanna Martine Kilkeary, Glamour, 26 Mar. 2025

The Padres reaped the benefit from the 2021 drafting of Jackson Merrill and his subsequent development. —Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 Mar. 2025

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)

Phrases Containing reap

• reap the rewards
• reap what one sows

Rhymes for reap

• beep
• cheap
• creep
• deep
• heap
• jeep
• keep
• leap
• peep
• seep
• sheep
• sleep

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