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

The festival involves a lot of preparation.

Plans for the next edition are already in preparation.

She ran daily in preparation for the race.

2

: a state of being prepared : readiness

3

: a preparatory act or measure

busy with last-minute preparations for the wedding

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

Still, some groups say eliminating the metric altogether sends a mixed message to Illinois school districts about postsecondary preparation. —Kate Armanini, Chicago Tribune, 14 Apr. 2026

Zhao’s Hamnet debuted at Telluride, around the same time as Elvira Lind’s wonderful new documentary King Hamlet, which follows Oscar Isaac’s preparations to play the role at the Public Theater in 2017. —Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 14 Apr. 2026

The answer as to why may have been present at Target Center on Tuesday, as Minnesota began its on-floor preparation for its 2026 first round series with the Nuggets that opens Saturday in Denver. —Jace Frederick, Twin Cities, 14 Apr. 2026

The first day of preparation practices for their first-round playoff series against the Houston Rockets was a throwback for most Lakers players. —Benjamin Royer, Oc Register, 14 Apr. 2026

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

Rhymes for preparation

• abdication
• aberration
• abjuration
• abnegation
• abrogation
• acceptation
• acclamation
• acclimation
• accusation
• activation
• actuation
• acylation

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