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

The North Stars are reaping the benefits of all that hard work. —Paul Johnson, Chicago Tribune, 23 Jan. 2026

Just as that film brought awards for its director and star, Fernanda Torres, The Secret Agent is reaping similar benefits, with the Golden Globes giving its coveted Best Actor award to Wagner Moura for his title role as an academic on the run from an authoritarian government in 1977 Brazil. —Damon Wise, Deadline, 22 Jan. 2026

Stetson, which celebrated its 160th anniversary last year, is also reaping the benefits of the heritage movement. —Jean E. Palmieri, Footwear News, 20 Jan. 2026

But the short-term pain reaped long-term benefits. —Howard Schneider, USA Today, 19 Jan. 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