rep
1 Americannoun
noun
noun
noun
noun
noun
abbreviation
abbreviation
-
repair.
-
repeat.
-
report.
-
reported.
-
reporter.
abbreviation
-
Representative.
-
Republic.
-
Republican.
abbreviation
-
Representative
-
Republican
-
Republic
noun
noun
noun
noun
Usage
What does rep mean? Rep is most often used as a shortening of several common words, including repetition, representative, and reputation, as well as many others.When used to mean repetition, rep is most commonly used in exercise and weightlifting, as in six reps on the leg press. When used to mean representative, rep is often used in customer service and sales. It’s also used in US politics, in which a Representative is a member of the House of Representatives. When it’s used to mean reputation, rep is mostly used in very informal settings, often referring to someone’s favor with others in a similar group.Sometimes rep is more common than the full term. The context that rep is used in usually hints at which term the shortening represents.Example: Please contact a sales rep if you have any problems with your order.
Other Word Forms
- repped adjective
Etymology
Origin of rep1
First recorded in 1855–60; from French reps, perhaps from English ribs; rib 1
Origin of rep2
By shortening
Origin of rep3
First recorded in 1855–60
Origin of rep4
By shortening
Origin of rep5
First recorded in 1670–80
Origin of rep6
First recorded in 1945–50; r(oentgen) e(quivalent) p(hysical)
Origin of rep.7
From the Latin word repetātur
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
And Kate Bush’s immortal 1978 single, with its swooping, operatic drama, interpretive dance–filled video and ghostly narrator only strengthened the book’s rep as a tale of exquisitely tortured love.
From Salon
Reaves said it is “very important” that the three get reps together.
From Los Angeles Times
Opposition resoundingly dealt with yet more reps needed.
From BBC
A Tui rep sent a message to Karen's phone after she had passed away asking how she was.
From BBC
Some 106 caps, 12 Six Nations campaigns, a career forged in the teeth of opposition defence, a body honed by countless gym reps, and a mind defined by determination and perfectionism.
From BBC
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.