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

This class covers the identification, preparation, and safe use of medicinal herbs, focusing on their role in boosting immunity, managing stress and inflammation, and promoting overall vitality. —Joe Rassel, Orlando Sentinel, 22 Jan. 2025

Rangers faced competition from other teams from Europe’s top five leagues to land him but former sporting director Ross Wilson managed to persuade Amad that Rangers would be ideal preparation for life at the pressure cooker of Manchester United. —Jordan Campbell, The Athletic, 22 Jan. 2025

Getting to that place requires preparation and, in some cases, punishment. —Brent Lang, Variety, 22 Jan. 2025

Philadelphia Eagles offensive coordinator Kellen Moore was the first to interview on Friday afternoon, as Jerry Jones met virtually with Moore who stayed back in Philadelphia to continue preparations for their divisional round playoff game. —Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 22 Jan. 2025

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