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• pep
  pep

  noun

  lively spirits or energy; vigor; animation.
• PEP
  PEP

  acronym

  personal equity plan: a method of saving in the U.K. with certain tax advantages, in which investments up to a fixed annual value can be purchased: replaced by the ISA in 1999 but arrangements for existing PEPs remain unchanged

pep

American  

[pep] / pɛp /

noun

1. lively spirits or energy; vigor; animation.

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verb phrase

1. pep up to make or become spirited, vigorous, or lively; animate.

   We need something to pep up this party.

PEP ¹ British  

/ pɛp /

acronym

1. personal equity plan: a method of saving in the U.K. with certain tax advantages, in which investments up to a fixed annual value can be purchased: replaced by the ISA in 1999 but arrangements for existing PEPs remain unchanged

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abbreviation

1. political and economic planning

pep ² British  

/ pɛp /

noun

1. high spirits, energy, or vitality

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verb

1. to liven by imbuing with new vigour

Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• pepful
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of pep

First recorded in 1840–50; short for pepper

Explanation

Pep is a high spirited kind of energy. It takes a lot of pep (and pom-poms) to be a cheerleader. Watching a school play in which the actors are full of pep is a lot more fun than seeing lethargic performers halfheartedly go through the motions. After a good night's sleep and a cup of tea, you might have plenty of pep to start your day — but it might take your older sister longer to truly wake up. Pep first appeared in 1912, as a shortened form of pepper, which once meant "moxie" or "gusto."

Example Sentences

Alternatives include Manchester City - who are expected to appoint former Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca as Pep Guardiola's successor in the coming days - but their priority is signing Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson.

From BBC • May 27, 2026

Pep Guardiola's final season in charge of Manchester City ended with the Carabao Cup and FA Cup, but this time they were outlasted by Arsenal in the Premier League title race.

From BBC • May 25, 2026

There have been stories right through the division, with Pep Guardiola departing Manchester City after 10 glittering years.

From BBC • May 25, 2026

Basketball legend Michael Jordan led the cast of star names to pay tribute to Pep Guardiola at the Manchester City manager's farewell party.

From BBC • May 25, 2026

The entire front plate glass window of Pep Boys was blown out.

From "It All Comes Down to This" by Karen English

Related Words

• gusto
• starch
• verve