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

However, regardless of preparation and all possible contingency plans, the realm of AI is evolving so quickly that no amount of defense will likely be able to prepare for everything. —Dr. Sai Balasubramanian, M.d., J.d., Forbes, 10 Jan. 2025

Bencic is also aware that, as with returning to the tennis court, preparation can sometimes be overtaken by factors beyond a player’s control. —Charlie Eccleshare, The Athletic, 10 Jan. 2025

Another nymph cockroach was discovered below the preparation counter, the report said, and there were Insect egg masses underneath the glass door refrigerator and below the oven. —Hannah Poukish, Sacramento Bee, 10 Jan. 2025

The staff members who remained at the Villa worked in emergency response, facilities, security and communications — each highly trained in emergency preparations. —Jessica Gelt, Los Angeles Times, 9 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