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 of reap

• 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

Large firms have outsourced labor-intensive work while reaping technology’s huge productivity gains. —Claire Zillman, Fortune, 19 June 2026

But a final deal could still allow Iran to reap huge financial benefits, including the unfreezing of assets and a $300 billion reconstruction account for Iran -- the details of which will be sorted in the 60-day period. —Mary Bruce, ABC News, 18 June 2026

The longer the case drags on, the company argues, the more the law firm can reap in profit. —Rebecca Ellis, Los Angeles Times, 18 June 2026

An enemy that was hit hard but remains unrelentingly hostile and is now reaping unexpected strategic gains. —Daniel B. Shapiro, The Atlantic, 17 June 2026

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