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

Sol de Janeiro’s body lotion comes with a convenient pump that quickly dispenses the lotion so my skin can reap the benefits of the formula. —Rylee Johnston, PEOPLE, 1 May 2026

Add Potato Peels To Your Compost Pile The best way to reap the nutritional benefits of potato peels for your garden is to compost them. —Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 30 Apr. 2026

Abu Dhabi will reap a windfall from crude exports. —Judah Taub, semafor.com, 30 Apr. 2026

Owners of second homes — and Airbnb — stand to reap a windfall under an initiative in Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass’ new city budget proposal. —Los Angeles Times, 29 Apr. 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