preparation

noun

prep·​a·​ra·​tion ˌpre-pə-ˈrā-shən How to pronounce preparation (audio)
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The meal preparation shows a big bowl of what looks like a big bowl of rice with different elements such as vegetables and meat. Lydia Patrick, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 Sep. 2025 But what sets them apart is preparation. Jaime Catmull, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2025 The injuries could make for a challenging week of preparation against one of the league’s better offenses. Jeff Zrebiec, New York Times, 15 Sep. 2025 Throw out expired food, and store like items together to make meal preparation more manageable. The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for preparation

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of preparation was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Preparation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/preparation. Accessed 17 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

preparation

noun
prep·​a·​ra·​tion ˌprep-ə-ˈrā-shən How to pronounce preparation (audio)
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 How to pronounce preparation (audio)
1
: the action or process of preparing
2
: something that is prepared
specifically : a medicinal substance made ready for use
a preparation for colds

More from Merriam-Webster on preparation

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