/ ˌprepəˈreɪʃn; NAmE / noun
1.
[ U ] preparation (for sth) the act or process of getting ready for sth or making sth ready :
Preparation for the party started early.
food preparation
Careful preparation for the exam is essential.
The third book in the series is currently in preparation .
The team has been training hard in preparation for the big game.
2.
[ C , usually pl. ] preparation (for sth) | preparation (to do sth) things that you do to get ready for sth or make sth ready :
The country is making preparations for war.
We made preparations to move to new offices.
wedding preparations
Was going to college a good preparation for your career?
3.
[ C ] a substance that has been specially prepared for use as a medicine, cosmetic , etc. :
a pharmaceutical preparation
preparations for the hair and skin
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WORD ORIGIN
late Middle English : via Old French from Latin praeparatio(n-) , from praeparare make ready before, from prae before + parare make ready.