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

New companies like Google and Facebook may have reaped the greatest financial rewards during this time, but none of their successes would have been possible without the contributions of ordinary people like you and me. —ArsTechnica, 22 Sep. 2025

The renowned Tredegar Iron Works of Richmond, Virginia, reaped profits of 20 percent or better every year from 1844 to 1861. —Literary Hub, 22 Sep. 2025

Stowe, Vermont Residents of storybook-pretty Stowe are committed to maintaining the region’s rural roots, and visitors reap the benefits with a wealth of still-wild landscapes. —Allison Tibaldi, USA Today, 20 Sep. 2025

The return on investment is finally in sight with approximately two more years to fully reap the benefits. —Anita Gosch, Oc Register, 20 Sep. 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