reaper

noun

reap·​er ˈrē-pər How to pronounce reaper (audio)
: one that reaps
especially : any of various machines for reaping grain

Examples of reaper in a Sentence

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.
Having invented the reaper that would revolutionize agriculture, McCormick wanted to manufacture it near prospective customers, the farmers who were fanning out across the Midwest. 1933: George Halas returned to coaching the Chicago Bears, replacing Ralph Jones. Kori Rumore, Chicago Tribune, 30 Aug. 2025 The reaper herself is at the center of The Sandman‘s finale, an episode that chronicles the Endless sibling’s one day off every century. Kimberly Roots, TVLine, 1 Aug. 2025 Any perennial outdoorsman can recount many experiences when the reaper’s scythe just missed him. Charles Elliott, Outdoor Life, 1 May 2025 Even the subsequent record-setting performance of Inside Out 2 this summer wasn’t enough to fend off the Mouse House reaper. David Bloom, Forbes, 27 Sep. 2024 See All Example Sentences for reaper

Word History

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of reaper was before the 12th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Reaper.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/reaper. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

reaper

noun
reap·​er ˈrē-pər How to pronounce reaper (audio)
1
: a worker who reaps crops
2
: a machine for reaping grain

More from Merriam-Webster on reaper

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