recipe

noun

rec·​i·​pe ˈre-sə-(ˌ)pē 

1

: prescription sense 4a

2

: a set of instructions for making something from various ingredients

3

: a formula or procedure for doing or attaining something

a recipe for success

Synonyms

• method
• approach
• strategy
• methodology
• technique
• way

Examples of recipe in a Sentence

The recipe calls for fresh thyme.

I didn't read the recipe carefully.

This is one of my grandmother's recipes.

Recent Examples on the Web

But in the new millenium, bartenders find the original recipe, and bring it back. —Jason O'Bryan, Robb Report, 13 Sep. 2025

And when the day is done, our turkey leftover recipes guarantee more than just sandwiches. —Joe Sevier, Bon Appetit Magazine, 13 Sep. 2025

That doesn’t seem like a recipe for success. —Miami Herald, 13 Sep. 2025

If nothing else, the Storm have a scalable recipe to scramble a better opponent and threaten an upset. —Steven Louis Goldstein, New York Times, 13 Sep. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Latin, take, imperative of recipere to take, receive — more at receive

First Known Use

1533, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing recipe

• recipe book
• recipe for disaster

Kids Definition

recipe

noun

rec·​i·​pe ˈres-ə-(ˌ)pē 

1

: prescription sense 2a

2

: a set of instructions for making something (as a food dish) from various things

a recipe for beef stew

3

: method of proceeding

a recipe for success

Medical Definition

recipe

noun

rec·​i·​pe ˈres-ə-(ˌ)pē 

: prescription sense 1