What does readies mean?
“Readies” is a verb meaning to prepare someone or something for what is about to happen. It is the third-person singular present-tense form of “ready,” so “she readies the equipment” means that she makes the equipment ready, while “the officials readies the venue” has a standard spelling difference in the base form. The word appears in military, sporting, news, and general narrative contexts, such as “readies the troops” or “readies the team.” Although “prepares” is more common in everyday speech, “readies” can give a sentence a deliberate, formal, or slightly literary tone. In the unrelated-looking noun sense, “readies” is the plural of “ready,” especially in the expression “the readies,” meaning people or forces prepared for action.
To make ready or prepare for an activity, task, event, or course of action.
"The officials readies the stadium before the ceremony."
“Readies” is the third-person singular present-tense form of “ready.” The verb is somewhat formal or literary, though it is fully standard.
Usually plural: people, especially soldiers or members of a team, who are prepared for action.
"The readies assembled at the front of the camp."
This plural noun sense is established but much less common than the verb; “the readies” is especially associated with military and journalistic usage.
The plural form is already the headword. As a noun, it generally appears in the plural and refers to people or forces ready for action.
"The readies were told to wait for further instructions."
“Readies” is the third-person singular of a verb whose past tense, “readied,” can sound like a completely separate word.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does readies come from?
The word comes from the adjective “ready,” which developed from Old English rǣdig, meaning “prepared” or “fitting.” The verb “ready” and the noun “readiness” were formed from the same adjective, while “readily” reflects the same root with an adverbial suffix. The form “readies” is simply the usual third-person singular present-tense ending added to “ready.”
Related word forms
How readies is actually used
As a verb, “readies” is standard in British, American, and other varieties of English. It is somewhat formal or literary compared with the more common “prepares.” The form is especially frequent in journalism and narrative writing.