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

Thirteen-year-old MGP rye bottled at 112 proof is a recipe for success, a classic rye style that is aged for longer than usual and bottled at a higher proof, which means less dilution, more flavor, and a deeper palate. —Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 21 June 2026

In this recipe, genmaicha, Japanese green tea mixed with roasted brown rice, is used to encrust salmon, imparting a nutty, floral flavor and making an exceptional and unusual dish in very little time and with very little effort. —Carolynn Carreño, Los Angeles Times, 21 June 2026

Join MyRecipes—your personal home for recipes—to easily save and organize your favorites, plus thousands more, in one convenient place. —Josh Miller, Southern Living, 21 June 2026

In an era of AI and rapid change, treating customers as mere constraints is a recipe for irrelevance. —Steve Denning, Forbes.com, 21 June 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