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

• gather
• 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

But his style has changed for the better, and the Pacers are reaping the benefits of late. —Sam Amick, New York Times, 20 June 2025

But his passing, screening, cutting, and finishing are good enough to keep him on the floor and allow his employer to reap the benefits of his all-inclusive defensive package. —Mat Issa, Forbes.com, 20 June 2025

While this is great news for dark chocolate lovers, those who prefer theirs with a touch of milk won’t reap as many benefits. —Audrey Bruno, SELF, 18 June 2025

Regular workers found that their wages were stagnating even as a tiny elite reaped the fruits of the global economy. —Adrian Wooldridge, Twin Cities, 18 June 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