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

Sprinkle on the bacon topping as directed in the main recipe and bake for five minutes, uncovered. —Ann Taylor Pittman, Southern Living, 27 Dec. 2025

Because of a global cocoa shortage, confectioners are tweaking recipes so that their candies don’t contain much chocolate—or any at all. —The Atlantic Science Desk, The Atlantic, 27 Dec. 2025

Although surface-level temperatures will be below freezing, temperatures above the surface will be above freezing, creating a recipe for freezing rain to develop. —Matthew Villafane, CBS News, 27 Dec. 2025

With MyRecipes, your personal home for recipes, easily save and organize your favorites, plus thousands more, in one convenient place. —Maggie Meyer Glisan, Better Homes & Gardens, 27 Dec. 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