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 result is that Hamas has reaped the political windfall of its own callous cowardice. —Aviva Klompas, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Oct. 2025

To reap the potential blood sugar-lowering benefit, consider whole milk, which contains more fat and lactose than skim varieties. —Cristina Mutchler, Verywell Health, 7 Oct. 2025

Anyone who can last in the difficult industry will reap a comfortable six-figure salary and have decent job security. —Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 7 Oct. 2025

The construction of museums to house artifacts offers an opportunity for African countries to bolster their cultural tourism offering for international and domestic visitors, potentially reaping economic benefits. —Alexis Akwagyiram, semafor.com, 3 Oct. 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