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

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

In 2020, Locksley founded his coaches association to equip minority coaches with better preparation. —Andrew Greif, NBC news, 28 Aug. 2025

Through home videos from survivors in New Orleans and archival footage, we’re reminded of the insufficient government preparation leading up to the storm and the poor response after more than 50 levees were breached by storm water. —Raisa Habersham, Miami Herald, 28 Aug. 2025

The documentary's focus is largely how Big Rock's residents feel their local government was negligent in their preparation for the natural disaster. —Alexandra Schonfeld, People.com, 28 Aug. 2025

Surgical nurses are the backbone of the operating room, driving seamless execution from preoperative preparation to intraoperative support. —Richard Menger Md Mpa, Forbes.com, 28 Aug. 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

Phrases Containing preparation

• in preparation
• in preparation for

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