recipe

noun

rec·i·pe | \ ˈre-sə-(ˌ)pē

Definition of recipe

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 The History of Receipt and Recipe More Example Sentences Learn More about recipe

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The History of Receipt and Recipe

These days it may seem odd to speak of "grandma's cookie receipt," but at one time the only meaning of receipt was "recipe." The first recorded use of receipt is a reference to a medicinal preparation in Chaucer's Canterbury Tales (c. 1386). Recipe didn't arrive until the 1500s, and it was also first used to describe medicine. Both words began to be applied to cooking only in the 18th century, after which recipe slowly became the preferred word. Receipt acquired its currently more familiar sense of "a written statement saying that money or goods have been received" in the 17th century. Both receipt and recipe are thought to be ultimately derived from Latin recipere ("to receive"), making them probable relatives as well as synonyms.

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

For the new year, try this recipe with lentils, greens and yellow rice. — David Tanis, The Seattle Times, "A humble feast begins with lentils," 7 Jan. 2019 The app even has preloaded recipes and temperatures for different meats. — James Lynch, Popular Mechanics, "Late to the Party: Sous Vide," 12 Dec. 2018 White chocolate makes this pretty and pink recipe even sweeter. Combine milk, chocolate, vanilla, and salt in a medium saucepan. — Anna Helm Baxter, Country Living, "White Hot Chocolate," 11 Dec. 2018 Some recipes included the likes of applesauce, oatmeal, flour, and/or Jell-O. 5. — Stacey Grant, Seventeen, "14 Outrageous Facts About Nickelodeon Slime," 10 Dec. 2018 The arrival of the holidays usually triggers an explosion of over-the-top decorations, garish gift wrap, and antiquated recipes. — ELLE Decor, "This Holiday Party Is Anything But Traditional—And We're Obsessed," 30 Nov. 2018 For aspiring chefs, the BuzzFeed Tasty partnership provides access to tons of recipe videos, too. — Erin Nicole Celletti, Teen Vogue, "8 Gift Ideas for DIY Enthusiasts 2018," 26 Nov. 2018 Chocolate, spice, and leftover sun — the perfect fall recipe. — Leah Prinzivalli, Allure, "The Chili Chocolate Hair-Color Trend Is the Prettiest Way for Brunettes to Go Red," 3 Oct. 2018 To celebrate the release of Together: Our Community Cookbook, the Duchess of Sussex invited the women whose recipes are featured in the collection to prepare some of the dishes at Kensington Palace for guests. — Erica Gonzales, Harper's BAZAAR, "Meghan Markle's Mom, Doria Ragland, Joins Her for Her Cookbook Launch," 20 Sep. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'recipe.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.