preparation

noun

prep·​a·​ra·​tion ˌpre-pə-ˈrā-shən How to pronounce preparation (audio)
Synonyms of preparationnext
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.
Planning calculates numbers; preparation cultivates relationships, service providers, and solutions. — Joseph Coughlin, Forbes, 23 Mar. 2025 Those preparations are all on hold now as Abdalla, a U.S. citizen born in the Midwest, fights for her husband, Khalil's release. — Npr Staff, NPR, 22 Mar. 2025 Drake’s preparation this week wasn’t any different than what Northwest Missouri State did for Division II tournament play. — Cj Moore, The Athletic, 21 Mar. 2025 Prosecutors noted that Bui’s tax preparation business operated under several different names. — Shelly Bradbury, The Denver Post, 20 Mar. 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

Phrases Containing preparation

Rhymes for preparation

See All Rhymes for preparation

Browse Nearby Words

préparateur
preparation
preparation hymn
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Cite this Entry

“Preparation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/preparation. Accessed 31 Mar. 2025.

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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

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for preparation

Nglish: Translation of preparation for Spanish Speakers

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