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, those who reap the reward of your efforts might demand a repeat. —Patricia S York, Southern Living, 19 Apr. 2026

However, an artist’s innate defiance reaps the best art. —Heide Janssen, Oc Register, 19 Apr. 2026

However, the financial firm first wants to reap the benefits of major sporting events in the region first. —George Avalos, Mercury News, 17 Apr. 2026

These are jobs not created, customers not served, communities that don’t reap the benefits of expanding local business. —Walter Rowen, Fortune, 16 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