prep·a·ra·tion 
/ˌprɛpəˈreɪʃən/ noun
plural prep·a·ra·tions /ˌprɛpəˈreɪʃən/ noun 1 [noncount] : the activity or process of making something ready or of becoming ready for something
▪ The festival involves a lot of preparation. ▪ food/meal preparation ▪ To complete this recipe, plan on about 30 minutes of preparation and 40 minutes of baking. ▪ Plans for the next edition are already in preparation. [=are already being prepared/made] — often + for ▪ Her preparation for the role included training in karate. ▪ The boxer exercised daily in preparation for the fight. [=to prepare for the fight] 2 preparations [plural] : things that are done to make something ready or to become ready for something
▪ The staff is making preparations to move to another building. [=the staff is doing things to become ready to move to another building] ▪ Preparations are under way [=things are being done to become ready] for the move to the new building. — often + for ▪ Preparations for the parade are almost completed. ▪ They are busy with preparations for their wedding. 3 [count] : a substance (such as a cream or lotion) that you use as medicine or to improve your appearance
▪ a vitamin E preparation ▪ skin care preparations
▪ The festival involves a lot of preparation. ▪ food/meal preparation ▪ To complete this recipe, plan on about 30 minutes of preparation and 40 minutes of baking. ▪ Plans for the next edition are already in preparation. [=are already being prepared/made] — often + for ▪ Her preparation for the role included training in karate. ▪ The boxer exercised daily in preparation for the fight. [=to prepare for the fight]
▪ The staff is making preparations to move to another building. [=the staff is doing things to become ready to move to another building] ▪ Preparations are under way [=things are being done to become ready] for the move to the new building. — often + for ▪ Preparations for the parade are almost completed. ▪ They are busy with preparations for their wedding.
▪ a vitamin E preparation ▪ skin care preparations
