reaped; reaping; reaps
Synonyms of reap

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

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
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.
The bar then placed a $5,000 bet on Kalshi that the then-underdog Knicks would win, and a $13,500 payout meant the bar not only paid off its patrons’ tabs, but also reaped a $8,500 profit. — Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 19 Oct. 2026 Investors sent chip stocks soaring this year on expectations for a massive AI buildout and a shortage of chips that would allow the companies to reap enormous profits. — John Towfighi, CNN Money, 16 Oct. 2026 Hopefully, Miami can begin to reap the benefits from the lumps that the trio of defensive linemen — Grant, Phillips and Biggers — received during their up-and-down rookie campaigns in 2025. — Miami Herald, 15 Oct. 2026 Under the new policy, companies that report potential criminal misconduct can reap the benefits — such as a limited cap on financial damages — from both agencies at once. — Isabella Cueto, STAT, 15 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for reap

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)

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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Reap.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/reap. Accessed 23 Oct. 2026.

Kids Definition

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
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