The noun preparation has 8 senses (first 3 from tagged texts)
1. (15) preparation, readying -- (the activity of putting or setting in order in advance of some act or purpose; "preparations for the ceremony had begun")
2. (7) formulation, preparation -- (a substance prepared according to a formula)
3. (2) planning, preparation, provision -- (the cognitive process of thinking about what you will do in the event of something happening; "his planning for retirement was hindered by several uncertainties")
4. readiness, preparedness, preparation -- (the state of having been made ready or prepared for use or action (especially military action); "putting them in readiness"; "their preparation was more than adequate")
5. preparation -- ((music) a note that produces a dissonant chord is first heard in a consonant chord; "the resolution of one dissonance is often the preparation for another dissonance")
6. training, preparation, grooming -- (activity leading to skilled behavior)
7. homework, prep, preparation -- (preparatory school work done outside school (especially at home))
8. cooking, cookery, preparation -- (the act of preparing something (as food) by the application of heat; "cooking can be a great art"; "people are needed who have experience in cookery"; "he left the preparation of meals to his wife")