repair.
repeat.
report.
reported.
reporter.
Representative.
Republic.
Republican.
Representative
Republican
Republic
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.
First recorded in 1855–60; from French reps, perhaps from English ribs; see rib 1
By shortening
First recorded in 1855–60
By shortening
First recorded in 1670–80
First recorded in 1945–50; r(oentgen) e(quivalent) p(hysical)
From the Latin word repetātur
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Or a Delta rep at check-in suggesting you sign up for the airline’s card so you don’t have to fork over $45 for a checked bag again.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 29, 2026
He just laughed, got back up and got in position for the next rep.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 25, 2026
For the generations who were just a few years too late to have experienced Beatlemania, this was their first chance to rep their team in real time.
From Salon ● Jun. 23, 2026
RMT general secretary Eddie Dempsey said the union was "devastated to learn that a train driver and former RMT rep has tragically died" in the crash.
From BBC ● Jun. 19, 2026
From the age of ten, Paul was being dressed in Brooks Brothers suits and tiny, clip-on rep ties.
From "Me Talk Pretty One Day" by David Sedaris
"I think it's really unfairly got a bad rep. And I think that's because in the news or on social media, people don't want to talk about good things."
From BBC ● Jan. 1, 2025
“I mean, I treat every rep out there, like a game rep. So if I do play, what is it Monday night, I’ll be ready to go.”
From Seattle Times ● Sep. 21, 2022
“The studio rep. kept saying, ‘No I’m sorry, we can’t go above, and if you feel that you’ll have to take another job, then please let me know by Monday,’” Bachiller said.
From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 6, 2021
“I was working for Kenneth Cole as their Northeast rep. Billy was one of my accounts. When I left his store, I turned to my friend and said, ‘There’s something about that man.
From New York Times ● Jul. 8, 2021
I want my boys to remain with you until they rep. 195ceive their education.
From The Wonder Island Boys: Treasures of the Island by Finlay, Roger Thompson
California Rep. Jared Huffman is one of just four openly agnostic or religiously unaffiliated lawmakers and is by far the most outspoken.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 26, 2026
Democrat Frederick Haynes III, who is running to replace Rep. Jasmine Crockett in her Dallas district, is the sole potential incoming member who has not filed a financial disclosure.
From Salon ● Jul. 24, 2026
Rep. Cyrus King of Massachusetts grumbled that Jefferson’s collection included “irreligious and immoral books” and complained that the funds could be spent for “purposes more indispensable than the purchase of a library.”
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 24, 2026
Michigan Rep. John James, running for governor in a state that saw some of the worst air pollution from the smog, announced he would introduce legislation imposing sanctions on Canada.
From Slate ● Jul. 21, 2026
"O bother the Rep.," said Montagu; "somebody's sure to write it out in school, and old Gordon'll never see."
From Eric by Farrar, F. W. (Frederic William)
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.
