# reps

/ˈɹɛps/ (US) · /ɹˈɛps/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/reps
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. exercise repetitions

noun · CEFR B1 · Informal

the number of times you perform a specific exercise movement in one go.

For teachers: a clipping of 'repetitions' used in weightlifting and fitness to denote a single cycle of a movement.

- He did three sets of ten reps on the bench press today.
- The trainer advised performing fewer reps with heavier weights to focus on building maximum strength rather than endurance.

Usage: Usually plural in a fitness context.

### 2. representatives

noun · CEFR B2 · Informal

people whose job is to represent a company or a group of workers.

For teachers: a clipping of 'representatives', commonly referring to sales agents or union officials.

- The union reps met with the manager to discuss the new pay deal.
- Medical reps often visit clinics to inform doctors about the latest pharmaceutical developments and clinical trials.

Usage: Commonly used in 'sales reps' or 'union reps'.

### 3. reputation

noun · CEFR C1 · Slang

the opinion that people have about someone or something.

For teachers: a clipping of 'reputation', referring to the status or character assigned to a person by the public.

- He is careful about his clothes because he wants to protect his rep.
- In certain industries, a professional's rep is their most valuable asset, often taking years to build and only moments to destroy.

### 4. to represent

verb · CEFR C1 · Slang

to act as a representative for a brand, team, or place.

For teachers: to act as a representative or spokesperson; often used in hip-hop culture or sports to show loyalty to a location.

- The athlete always reps his hometown during every interview.
- The brand ambassadors were hired specifically because they rep the lifestyle that the company wants to market to teenagers.

## Examples

- I did three sets of ten reps on the bench press.
- To build muscle effectively, you should focus on slow, controlled reps rather than moving as fast as possible.
- While high-weight sets are essential for power, increasing the number of reps with moderate resistance is often more effective for improving muscular endurance and cardiovascular health.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.