Grim Reaper

American  

noun

1. the personification of death as a man or cloaked skeleton holding a scythe.

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Grim Reaper Cultural  

1. A figure commonly used to represent death. The Grim Reaper is a skeleton or solemn-looking man carrying a scythe, who cuts off people's lives as though he were harvesting grain.

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Usage

What is the Grim Reaper? The Grim Reaper is a fictional skeleton wearing a black robe and wielding a scythe, generally portrayed as the embodiment of death. How is term pronounced?[ grim ree-per ]

Etymology

Origin of Grim Reaper

First recorded in 1925–30

Example Sentences

Many investors are hoping to sidestep the Grim Reaper of AI, reduce their exposure to the biggest technology stocks and still earn decent returns by beefing up their positions in these boring companies.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 6, 2026

“The look of those boys in the Third Act reveal is based on the Jeoseung saja, the Grim Reaper Korean mythology,” Chris Appelhans, who co-wrote and co-directed the movie with Maggie Kang, told Salon.

From Salon • Jun. 29, 2025

This bottle from Boss Dog Art Dept. offers a message from the Grim Reaper themselves: “Drink water or die.”

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 3, 2024

Cartoonists often depicted the Grim Reaper seated behind the wheel.

From Slate • May 25, 2024

Skeezie: So what happened to the Grim Reaper?

From "The Misfits" by James Howe