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
1
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."
"Please prep the room before the guests arrive tonight."
noun
1
Preparation, especially schoolwork done before class or work done before an event.
"He stayed up late finishing his prep for tomorrow's exam."
"Most of the prep for the party was done the night before."
"The teacher gave the class an hour of prep to finish before Monday."
How to use prep
Learner’s notesIn 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
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Word forms
- Third person singular
- preps
- Past tense
- prepped
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Please _____ the room before the guests arrive tonight.
Synonyms
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Rhymes for prep
See all rhymes for prep →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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