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.
How Project Managers Use AI to Anticipate Negotiation Objections Chuck Scott, owner of Scott Q Consulting, in his interview on the Negotiate Anything podcast, demonstrates how AI transforms negotiation preparation for complex stakeholder meetings. Kwame Christian Esq, Forbes.com, 27 June 2025 Though the celebration for their latest championship is still going on somewhere, no doubt, preparation for the Florida Panthers’ title defense has already begun. Cameron Priester, Sun Sentinel, 24 June 2025 The most visible sign of the United States’ inadequate preparation is its aging icebreaker fleet. Michael Albertus, Foreign Affairs, 24 June 2025 Other precautionary measures included the preparation of a second wedding dress, just in case the first was revealed or something happened to it. Simon Perry, People.com, 24 June 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 30 Jun. 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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