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

• 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 country’s pension plan entitles them to reap a maximum of 50% of their annual average earnings, according to the Centre of European and International Liaisons for Social Security (Cleiss). —Preston Fore, Fortune, 16 Sep. 2025

The Human-Centric Advantage When middle managers thrive, organizations reap the benefits of higher engagement, better retention, and stronger performance. —Dr. Cynthia J. Young, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2025

When fortune turned for the Los Angeles Dodgers, even Michael Conforto reaped the benefits. —Fabian Ardaya, New York Times, 15 Sep. 2025

Snow League, a snowboarding and freeskiing league founded by three-time Olympic gold medalist Shaun White, is also looking to build a sustainable business while aiming to give its athletes a platform to extend their careers and reap the benefits of rising prize purses. —Eric Jackson, Sportico.com, 14 Sep. 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