reaper

noun

reap·​er ˈrē-pər How to pronounce reaper (audio)
Synonyms of reapernext
: one that reaps
especially : any of various machines for reaping grain

Examples of reaper in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
But when a patient recognizes him from his dangerous past, Brown has eight hours to elude the government, mob hitmen, quack surgeons, and a trail of dead gangsters to somehow beat the reaper. — Denise Petski, Deadline, 6 Oct. 2026 In one scene, a pair of revellers dance naked just outside the fence of the Calvary Cemetery, thumbing their noses at the reaper while the Manhattan skyline towers in the distance. — Chris Wiley, New Yorker, 4 July 2026 At the 1851 Great Exhibition in London, American revolvers and reapers with swappable parts stunned international observers. — Guru Madhavan, IEEE Spectrum, 29 June 2026 But the reaper kept knocking at Jamon’s door, and winking at his son. — Luca Evans, Denver Post, 21 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for reaper

Word History

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of reaper was before the 12th century

Phrases Containing reaper

Rhymes for reaper

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Browse Nearby Words

reap
reaper
reaper-binder
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Cite this Entry

“Reaper.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/reaper. Accessed 14 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

reaper

noun
reap·​er ˈrē-pər How to pronounce reaper (audio)
1
: a worker who reaps crops
2
: a machine for reaping grain

More from Merriam-Webster on reaper

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for reaper

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about reaper

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