preparation

noun

prep·​a·​ra·​tion ˌpre-pə-ˈrā-shən 

1

: the action or process of making something ready for use or service or of getting ready for some occasion, test, or duty

2

: a state of being prepared

3

: a preparatory act or measure

4

: something that is prepared

specifically : a medicinal substance made ready for use

Examples of preparation in a Sentence

The festival involves a lot of preparation.

To complete this recipe, plan on about 30 minutes of preparation and 40 minutes of baking.

Recent Examples on the Web

Rome has had two years of intense preparations for the Holy Year that involved major public works projects and artistic renovations that have coincided with separate initiatives paid for by the European Union’s COVID-19 recovery funds. —Nicole Winfield, Los Angeles Times, 23 Dec. 2024

Lofty, but serves a potentially useful purpose as preparation for a world in which sentient AI comes into being. —Lance Eliot, Forbes, 21 Dec. 2024

That the Astros even acquired Paredes at all became the first sign of Houston’s preparations for a post-Bregman world. —Chandler Rome, The Athletic, 21 Dec. 2024

When their attempt to steal a parade balloon goes up in flames and possibly cancels Christmas, the Bad Guys are forced to play Santa to lift the city's spirits — all in preparation for their big bank robbery. —Skyler Caruso, People.com, 21 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English preparacioun, borrowed from Anglo-French & Latin; Anglo-French preparacion, borrowed from Latin praeparātiōn-, praeparātiō, from praeparāre "to prepare" + -tiōn-, -tiō, suffix of verbal action

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing preparation

• in preparation
• in preparation for

Kids Definition

preparation

noun

prep·​a·​ra·​tion ˌprep-ə-ˈrā-shən 

1

: the action or process of making ready in advance

2

: a state of being prepared : readiness

3

: an act or measure that prepares

busy with preparations for the picnic

4

: something prepared

a medicinal preparation

Medical Definition

preparation

noun

prep·​a·​ra·​tion ˌprep-ə-ˈrā-shən 

1

: the action or process of preparing

2

: something that is prepared

specifically : a medicinal substance made ready for use

a preparation for colds