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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

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

See Examples For:

pep PEP

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

Each week, I’d search online for videos showing Greybeard’s journey, a pep in his step or the grueling grind across the miles.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 15, 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

More disappointing is watching a role held aloft by Witherspoon’s charisma and unsinkable pep be submerged in attitudinal gloom despite Minetree’s best efforts.

From Salon ● Jul. 6, 2026

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

From "Split the Sky" by Marie Arnold

PepsiCo PEP -4.00%decrease; red down pointing triangle Chief Executive Ramon Laguarta, though, sees new opportunities for one of America’s biggest beverage and snack companies, from portion control to heightening mental focus.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 9, 2026

PepsiCo PEP -0.43%decrease; red down pointing triangle just pulled off something rare in the food industry: It got consumers to come back.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Apr. 21, 2026

In June 2024, the CDC officially recommended doxy PEP for men who have sex with men and transgender women to treat syphilis, chlamydia or gonorrhea.

From Salon ● Jan. 17, 2025

Officials call the treatment doxy PEP, short for doxycycline postexposure prophylaxis.

From Seattle Times ● Jun. 4, 2024

C. Hunter More Good Stuff like PEP 256 pages, $1.00 This book is the same size as PEP but has thirty-two pages more.

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

Related Words

• gusto
• starch
• verve