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

This old-fashioned coffee cake recipe is the perfect companion to the after-church coffee and tea. —Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 8 Aug. 2025

Save your favorite Better Homes & Gardens recipes in one place using MyRecipes. —Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 Aug. 2025

Most griddle makers will tell you to just blast your burners on high—but that's a bit of a recipe for quickly burning off oil at the hottest spots of your griddle before the edges have a chance to season. —Matthew Korfhage, Wired News, 6 Aug. 2025

More of a concept than an exact recipe, succotash is open to a cook’s interpretation, as long there are corn and beans involved. —The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 Aug. 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