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

To suggest that another candidate’s supporters are criminals — particularly when that candidate is, by all measures, poised to win at least a plurality of votes in the city — does not seem like a recipe for earning New Yorkers’ support. —New York Times, 25 Oct. 2025

What Makes This Dip So Good Inspired by one of our most popular recipes of all-time, Tennessee Onions, this rich and savory appetizer version calls on many of the same simple and inexpensive ingredients. —Cameron Beall, Southern Living, 25 Oct. 2025

This deliciously easy cream cheese frosting comes together in minutes and will add that signature sweet, tangy flavor to your favorite carrot cake recipe, pumpkin bread, or brownies. —Katlyn Moncada, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 Oct. 2025

Past editions of the Cookie Book featured recipes from grandmas, professional bakers, and EMTs and other first responders. —Eva Wen, jsonline.com, 25 Oct. 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