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

• approach
• fashion
• form
• how
• manner
• method
• methodology
• strategy
• style
• system
• tack
• tactics
• 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

At McGuire’s home, authorities allegedly found an empty can with nails glued to the outside, a duffel bag containing matches, black powder, used and unused fireworks, and papers that appeared to be recipes for explosive material. —Louis Casiano, Fox News, 28 Sep. 2024

Most recipes don’t take much longer to double, so preparing two pasta bakes or sheet pan meals at the same time can reduce your future efforts. —Sarah Schlichter, Mph, Parents, 26 Sep. 2024

Some baking recipes even call for a bit of pineapple (like pineapple upside-down cake). —Brittany Lubeck, Ms, Rdn, Verywell Health, 26 Sep. 2024

Continuing down the current path is a recipe for continuing war and dangerous escalation. —William Hartung, Forbes, 26 Sep. 2024

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