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• rep
  rep

  noun

  a transversely corded fabric of wool, silk, rayon, or cotton.
• rep.
  rep.

  abbreviation

  (in prescriptions) let it be repeated.
• Rep.
  Rep.

  abbreviation

  Representative.

rep

¹ American  

[rep] / rɛp /

Or repp

noun

1. a transversely corded fabric of wool, silk, rayon, or cotton.

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rep ² American  

[rep] / rɛp /

noun

Informal.

1. a repertory theater.

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rep ³ American  

noun

Informal.

1. a shortened form of repetition.

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rep ⁴ American  

noun

Informal.

1. a representative, especially a sales representative.

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rep ⁵ American  

noun

Informal.

1. a shortened form of reputation.

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rep ⁶ American  

[rep] / rɛp /

noun

Nucleonics.

1. a unit proposed as a supplement to roentgen for expressing dosage of ionizing radiation: subsequently abandoned.

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rep. ⁷ American  

abbreviation

1. (in prescriptions) let it be repeated.

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rep. ⁸ American  

abbreviation

1. repair.

2. repeat.

3. report.

4. reported.

5. reporter.

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Rep. ⁹ American  

abbreviation

1. Representative.

2. Republic.

3. Republican.

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Rep. ¹ British  

abbreviation

1. Representative

2. Republican

3. Republic

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rep ² British  

/ rɛp /

noun

1. a silk, wool, rayon, or cotton fabric with a transversely corded surface

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rep ³ British  

/ rɛp /

noun

1. theatre short for repertory company

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rep ⁴ British  

/ rɛp /

noun

1. short for representative representative

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rep ⁵ British  

/ rɛp /

noun

1. informal short for reputation

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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; see 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

Regional theaters such as Seattle Rep, the Guthrie, the Goodman and Baltimore Center Stage remained committed to their missions while New York nonprofit companies continued to hold the line off-Broadway.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 29, 2026

Steppenwolf and Circle Rep, with their combination of theatrical fearlessness, searing intensity and rabid teamwork, helped shape Mantello’s aesthetic.

From Los Angeles Times • May 6, 2026

"The Late Show was not prohibited by CBS from broadcasting the interview with Rep James Talarico," the network said.

From BBC • Feb. 17, 2026

The production, directed by Sarah Benson, the former artistic director of Soho Rep, certainly fields an enticing cast.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 17, 2025

The Rep Rho Betas were the Sophomore fraternity and were the real demons of the college.

From At Good Old Siwash by Fitch, George