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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

• pepful
  adjective

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Etymology

Origin of pep

First recorded in 1840–50; short for pepper

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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

See Examples For:

pep PEP

But once we got to Nashville and got the guys in the room, it just got a little more pep in its step.

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 9, 2026

After I made these adjustments, I got fewer pep talks, but I’m still wary of the pandering.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 16, 2026

I’m back from a matrimonial break with a pep in my step and a shiny new ring on my finger.

From Slate ● Aug. 5, 2026

After getting a pep talk from Ted Lasso and his assistant coach Beard, Bieber changed the pace of the otherwise energetic performances with an acoustic guitar version of 'Everything Hallelujah'.

From BBC ● Jul. 20, 2026

The smell calmed me down even before Mom’s pep talk.

From "Split the Sky" by Marie Arnold

Another new law will enhance access to drugs known as PrEP and PEP, which are aimed at preventing HIV.

From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 27, 2026

Congress in 2019 created a new type of plan, called a pooled employer plan, or PEP.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Feb. 22, 2026

PepsiCo PEP 1.02%increase; green up pointing triangle is looking to cut prices by as much as 15% on products including Lay’s potato chips and Flamin’ Hot Cheetos.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Feb. 3, 2026

This year, a federally-funded study will be launched to test the effect of doxy PEP in people assigned female at birth, so more data should be forthcoming.

From Salon ● Jan. 17, 2025

The Evening Round Up will be appreciated and welcomed by all who have read PEP.

From Evening Round Up More Good Stuff Like Pep by William Crosbie Hunter

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Related Words

• gusto
• starch
• verve

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