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

See Examples For:

Grim Reaper

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

But Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s Senate testimony on Thursday let everyone know that Santa isn’t coming — it’s the Grim Reaper, urging us to bring out the dead.

From Salon ● Sep. 5, 2025

Cartoonists often depicted the Grim Reaper seated behind the wheel.

From Slate ● May 25, 2024

During renovation work in 2014, the image of the Grim Reaper in a boat was removed to preserve it in the M-Shed museum.

From BBC ● Apr. 27, 2024

“You know,” Miss Volker said, “I hope when my turn comes the Grim Reaper is a lot like you. You don’t seem too scary.”

From "Dead End in Norvelt" by Jack Gantos