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

One boy learns to cook, poring over YouTube recipes. —Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 6 Mar. 2026

This vegan chili recipe is a meatless version of the weeknight classic that packs a wealth of comfort and flavor. —Jesse Szewczyk, Bon Appetit Magazine, 6 Mar. 2026

Des Moines’ most iconic restaurants aren’t defined by trends or glossy modernity — they’re built on decades of family tradition, neighborhood loyalty and recipes that have become part of the metro’s cultural DNA. —Susan Stapleton, Des Moines Register, 6 Mar. 2026

This administration’s failure to seek diplomatic resolution, combined with its failure to seek Congressional buy-in, is a recipe for catastrophe. —Derek Tran, Oc Register, 6 Mar. 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