noun
Common
rep
rehp
Rep (noun) means a person who represents a company or group, especially in sales. Example: “The drug company's rep visited the surgery to explain the new product.”
noun
1
A person who represents a company or group, especially in sales.
"The drug company's rep visited the surgery to explain the new product."
"Call your sales rep if you have any questions about the order."
"The union rep spoke to management on behalf of the workers."
2
One complete repetition of an exercise movement.
"I could only manage five reps with that heavy weight before my arms shook."
"The trainer told him to count each rep out loud."
"She did three sets of twelve reps on the bench press."
3
A person's reputation, especially informally.
"The restaurant has a good rep among the locals for its fresh bread."
"She worked hard to protect her rep at school after the rumour spread."
"He's got a rep for being late to everything."
How to use rep
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishAn informal short form covering several senses: a representative, a workout repetition, or a reputation.
Common mistake
Context decides the meaning — "sales rep," "ten reps," and "bad rep" are three unrelated shortenings.
Common pairings
sales rep
do a rep
street rep
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Word forms
- Plural
- reps
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The drug company's _____ visited the surgery to explain the new product.
Etymology
A clipping of various words that begin with rep.
Synonyms
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Rhymes for rep
See all rhymes for rep →Frequently asked questions
What does “rep” mean?
The word “rep” means a person who represents a company or group, especially in sales. In plain terms, an informal short form covering several senses: a representative, a workout repetition, or a reputation.
How do you pronounce “rep”?
“Rep” is pronounced rehp (/ɹɛp/ in IPA).
How do you use “rep” in a sentence?
Here is “rep” used in a sentence: “Call your sales rep if you have any questions about the order.”
What part of speech is “rep”?
“Rep” is a noun.
Is “rep” a common word?
“Rep” is a fairly common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “rep” have?
“Rep” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a person who represents a company or group, especially in sales.
What is the difference between "rep" and "representative"?
"Rep" is a shortened, informal version of "representative," a person who represents a company or group, especially in sales. The two mean the same thing, but "rep" is casual and common in business speech, as in "a sales rep." Use "representative" in formal writing and "rep" in everyday talk.
What is the difference between "reps" and "sets" in exercise?
A "rep," short for repetition, is one complete performance of an exercise movement, such as a single push-up. A "set" is a group of reps done in a row before resting, such as three sets of ten reps. Reps count individual movements, while sets group them together.
Is "rep" formal or informal?
"Rep" is informal and best suited to conversation, business chat, and fitness contexts rather than formal writing. In professional documents, the fuller words "representative" or "repetition" are preferred. Its exact meaning depends on context — sales or exercise.
What is the difference between a "rep" and an "agent"?
A "rep" represents a company or group, especially to sell its products or services to customers. An "agent" acts on behalf of a person or business to arrange deals, often working for the client rather than the seller. Both act for someone else, but a sales rep usually promotes their employer's products.
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