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.
By addressing physical, emotional, and educational needs, the staff within the Doula Program at Rikers Island empower women to navigate motherhood with confidence, dignity, and adequate preparation for life after release. Dominique Fluker, Essence, 10 May 2025 The news and editorial staffs of The Denver Post had no role in this post’s preparation. Sara B. Hansen, Denver Post, 10 May 2025 What did preparation for those scenes look like, and did each of you perform your stunts? Giana Levy, Refinery29, 8 May 2025 The settlement has been in the works for a year, with Division I athletic departments planning accordingly, including preparations for roster limits put forth by the NCAA and power conference defendants. Justin Williams, New York Times, 8 May 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 20 May. 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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