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

In fact, fewer than two-thirds of taxpayers reap refunds, according to IRS data for 2025. —Daniel De Visé, USA Today, 22 Mar. 2026

China is set to reap most of the gains from a surge in EV demand as the world’s top producer of electric vehicles. —Bloomberg Wire, Dallas Morning News, 20 Mar. 2026

Talarico, a Texas state representative who reaped national attention last summer after appearing on Joe Rogan's podcast, has done just that. —CBS News, 20 Mar. 2026

In a few cases, however, productions that already intended to shoot in California — and had been allocated tax credits under the old program — withdrew and reapplied under the new program, reaping a multimillion dollar windfall. —Gene Maddaus, Variety, 18 Mar. 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