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

These tasks, while essential to construction, can quickly become a fire hazard without proper preparation. —Kevin Gu, Forbes, 11 Dec. 2024

During the preparation of financial statements for the third quarter ended Nov. 2, Macy’s discovered an issue related to delivery expenses in one of its accrual accounts, triggering the independent investigation which has now been completed. —David Moin, WWD, 11 Dec. 2024

Richards had achieved a similar feat before, winning the French-language Scrabble world championship in 2015 after nine weeks of preparation. —Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 11 Dec. 2024

The menu is based on the concept of monastery cuisine — simple, natural preparation, with a preference for vegetables, herbs, and fruit. —Lydia Mansel, Travel + Leisure, 10 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