verb Common

prep

prehp

Prep (verb) means to get something or someone ready in advance. Example: “The chefs spent the morning prepping vegetables for dinner service.”

verb

To get something or someone ready in advance.

"The chefs spent the morning prepping vegetables for dinner service."

"She prepped hard for the job interview."

noun

Preparation, especially schoolwork done before class or work done before an event.

"He stayed up late finishing his prep for tomorrow's exam."

How to use prep

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA casual short form of "prepare" or "preparation."

When to use it

Informal, common in everyday and school/work contexts.

Common pairings

meal prep prep work prep for an exam

Word forms

prepped past tense, preps singular

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He stayed up late finishing his _____ for tomorrow's exam.

Synonyms

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prepare ready prime arrange groundwork preparation

Related words

bad morning available ready choice practice base train

Rhymes for prep

rep

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Frequently asked questions

What does “prep” mean?

The word “prep” means to get something or someone ready in advance. In plain terms, a casual short form of "prepare" or "preparation.".

How do you pronounce “prep”?

“Prep” is pronounced prehp (/pɹɛp/ in IPA).

How do you use “prep” in a sentence?

Here is “prep” used in a sentence: “The chefs spent the morning prepping vegetables for dinner service.”

What part of speech is “prep”?

Depending on how it is used, “prep” can be a verb and a noun.

Is “prep” a common word?

“Prep” is a fairly common word in modern English.

How many meanings does “prep” have?

“Prep” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to get something or someone ready in advance.

What is the difference between 'prep' and 'prepare'?

'Prep' is an informal, shortened form of 'prepare', meaning to get something or someone ready in advance. 'Prepare' is the standard, more formal verb and is preferred in writing, while 'prep' is common in casual speech.

What is the difference between 'prep' and 'homework'?

In some British schools, 'prep' is the traditional word for homework or study done outside class. More broadly, 'prep' means any preparation done ahead of time, while 'homework' refers specifically to school assignments completed at home.

Is 'prep' formal or informal?

'Prep' is informal and conversational, common in speech and casual writing, as in prep the ingredients. In formal contexts, 'prepare' or 'preparation' is the better choice.

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