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 of recipe

• 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

So the San Francisco Bay Area resident went back to a family recipe and decided to take a risk, with a whisk. —Itay Hod, CBS News, 3 Apr. 2026

The bulk of the offerings at the bakery are prepared with founder LuAnn Hoffman’s original recipes. —Sean Krofssik, Hartford Courant, 3 Apr. 2026

Easter is but a bunny hop away, and to get ready for the holiday, chef Chris Valdes is sharing a few tasty recipes that can served up with any holiday spread. —Kelly McCarthy, ABC News, 3 Apr. 2026

Break out your jumbo muffin pans for this impressive make-ahead recipe. —Victoria Spencer, Martha Stewart, 3 Apr. 2026

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