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

Chattanooga Whiskey is marking the tenth vintage of its Bottled-in-Bond series with a new five-grain mash bill, signaling that experimental grain recipes remain a key part of the innovation toolkit. —Joseph V Micallef, Forbes.com, 24 May 2026

Stephanie also started making special allergy-friendly recipes that Logan could eat on special occasions, which evolved into a business called Rare Treats Baking Company, which helps other families dealing with food allergies and eosinophilic disorders. —Toria Sheffield, PEOPLE, 24 May 2026

Everyone's takeout favorite, orange chicken, takes a turn for the fresh in this this recipe, which combines orange marmalade and soy sauce to make a sweet-and-salty dressing for chicken, cabbage, and crunchy ramen noodles. —Ginger Crichton, Midwest Living, 24 May 2026

While this recipe has more than five ingredients, its list is not overly complicated. —Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 24 May 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

Rhymes for recipe

• praecipe

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