Pep means energy, liveliness, and enthusiasm. When someone has pep, they're bouncing with vitality and ready to tackle whatever comes next. A coach might tell a tired team at halftime, “Come on, show some pep out there!” meaning they need to play with more energy and spirit.

The word often appears in phrases like pep rally, which is a school gathering designed to pump everyone up before a big game, or pep talk, which is an encouraging speech meant to boost someone's confidence and energy. If you're feeling sluggish in the morning and someone tells you to “put some pep in your step,” they're saying you should move with more bounce and energy.

Pep suggests a kind of cheerful vigor: both physical energy and an upbeat attitude. A teacher with pep makes class exciting and engaging. A person full of pep works with enthusiasm and a positive spirit that often spreads to others around them.