prepared

adjective

pre·​pared pri-ˈperd How to pronounce prepared (audio)
: subjected to a special process or treatment
preparedly
pri-ˈperd-lē How to pronounce prepared (audio)
-ˈper-əd-
adverb

Examples of prepared in a Sentence

The president read a prepared statement. The store sells a selection of prepared foods. I got so nervous. I guess I just wasn't prepared. She was well-prepared and scored high on the test. How much are you prepared to pay? I wasn't prepared to spend that much money.
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.
That tends to be the case in most states—if a hot dog is heated, served on a bun, and sold as a ready-to-eat meal, it's typically considered a prepared food item and subject to sales tax. Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes.com, 5 July 2025 Place tortilla slices on prepared baking sheet and coat lightly with cooking spray. Bethany Thayer, Freep.com, 5 July 2025 Audubon painted a pair of the birds based on skins (prepared specimens) and named the species for Bachman. arkansasonline.com, 5 July 2025 This will help out any shoppers looking for a charcuterie board or prepared dish to bring to their cookout. Suzanne Blake, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for prepared

Word History

Etymology

from past participle of prepare

First Known Use

1663, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of prepared was in 1663

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Prepared.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/prepared. Accessed 8 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

prepared

adjective
pre·​pared
pri-ˈpa(ə)rd,
-ˈpe(ə)rd
: treated with a special process : given a special treatment

More from Merriam-Webster on prepared

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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