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

Fresh Thyme stocks a range of hot cocoa mixes made with real ingredients, herbal teas for cold evenings, and natural cleaning products for pre-guest house preparations. —Matt Emma, USA Today, 8 Dec. 2025

The story of their formation and success in the face of disinterested record labels and hostile press inspired MacMahon that their preparation paid off. —Fred Topel, Deadline, 7 Dec. 2025

Kate is in the midst of preparations for her annual Together at Christmas concert at Westminster Abbey which she’s hosted since 2021. —Stylecaster Editors, StyleCaster, 6 Dec. 2025

Staying safe while traveling solo Unfortunately, safety concerns most often stop many women from traveling alone, but preparation beats paranoia every time. —Taylor Haught, Miami Herald, 6 Dec. 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

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