rep

¹

or repp

[ rep ]

noun

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

rep.

²

abbreviation for

1. (in prescriptions) let it be repeated.

rep

³

[ rep ]

noun

, Informal.

1. a repertory theater.

rep.

⁴

abbreviation for

1. repair.
2. repeat.
3. report.
4. reported.
5. reporter.

rep

⁵

noun

, Informal.

1. a shortened form of repetition.

rep

⁶

noun

, Informal.

1. a representative, especially a sales representative.

rep

⁷

noun

, Informal.

1. a shortened form of reputation.

rep

⁸

[ rep ]

noun

, Nucleonics.

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

Rep.

⁹

abbreviation for

1. Representative.
2. Republic.
3. Republican.

rep

¹

/ rɛp /

noun

1. theatre short for repertory company

rep

²

/ rɛp /

noun

1. informal.
   short for reputation

rep

³

/ rɛp /

noun

1. short for representative representative

Rep.

⁴

abbreviation for

1. Representative
2. Republican
3. Republic

rep

⁵

/ rɛp /

noun

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

Derived Forms

• repped, adjective

Other Words From

• repped adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of rep¹

First recorded in 1855–60; from French reps, perhaps from English ribs; rib ¹

Origin of rep²

From the Latin word repetātur

Origin of rep³

By shortening

Origin of rep⁴

First recorded in 1855–60

Origin of rep⁵

By shortening

Origin of rep⁶

First recorded in 1670–80

Origin of rep⁷

First recorded in 1945–50; r(oentgen) e(quivalent) p(hysical)

Word History and Origins

Origin of rep¹

C19: from French reps , perhaps from English ribs ; see rib ¹

Example Sentences

Until then, it means more mental reps than physical ones for many players, some of whom have had their practice time reduced to meetings on Zoom.

From Los Angeles Times

The publicist protests, and another studio rep joins the conversation.

From Los Angeles Times

But the site rep said, “Don’t go wandering off. I didn’t believe in spirits until I started babysitting this place, and yeah, I hear voices all the time when I’m the only one here.”

From Los Angeles Times

The retired aerospace engineer, who lives in Sierra Madre, did about four reps before his teeth clenched, his legs trembled and he let out short puffs of air through pursed lips.

From Los Angeles Times

If Ramsey did not get enough reps in practice as the season went on, he occasionally inserted himself onto the scout team, Pleasant said.

From Los Angeles Times

More About Rep

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.

Where does rep come from?

Rep most frequently used as a shortening of many common words. The first records of rep to mean “reputation” come from around 1677, while the first records of the rep to mean “repetition” come from around 1936.

Rep can also be a shortened form of repair, repeat, report, Republic, and many other words.

Did you know … ?

What are some synonyms for rep?

• reputation
• repetition
• representative
• repair
• repeat

What are some words that share a root or word element with rep? 

• repair
• repetition
• representative
• reputation

How is rep used in real life?

Rep is a commonly used shortening of many different words. The surrounding words usually give you a clue about what rep means in that case.

Me: 'excuse me, I am going to the beach and I need to buy some flip flops' . Sales rep: 'O you mean thong slippers'. – Whaaatt!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

— Emma Watson (@EmmaWatson) March 26, 2013

Shaquem Griffin just did 20 reps of 225 pounds on the bench press. He has one hand.

— Will Brinson (@WillBrinson) March 3, 2018

Gym thoughts: its not that i can't do 50 reps, i just dont have the attention span to count to 50. :/

— Amber Liu 刘逸云 (@amberliu) April 30, 2016