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

Passive has further enabled the birth of Big Tech, mega-cap market hegemons that reap outsized riches from self-reinforcing lofty valuations. —Mike Terwilliger, Fortune, 24 Oct. 2025

However, despite tight supplies, many retailers have rolled out meal bundles to draw in consumers that could help shoppers reap significant savings. —Hugh Cameron, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Oct. 2025

To reap the most nutrients from your java, skip the sugar and milk and enjoy it black (preferably filtered) to sip your way to better health. —Laura Schober, Health, 23 Oct. 2025

For employees, startups used to dangle the carrot of being able to grow with new technology and reap the benefits of being acquired by a larger giant. —Michelle Castillo, CNBC, 22 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