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

That is the takeaway from a new study in which researchers revealed a new bio-recipe for 3D printing habitats on the Red Planet. — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 10 Sep. 2026

This is a book in which the tricks, takeaways and techniques are embedded in the recipes themselves. — Scott Hocker, TheWeek, 9 Sep. 2026

And it is built into the camera app to take actions like creating a recipe from a picture of ingredients or adding an event to a calendar. — Greta Cross, USA Today, 9 Sep. 2026

What is clear is that facing a Bears rush defense that ranked last in my plus blocking rate allowed category is a recipe for success for either Hubbard or Brooks. — Kc Joyner, New York Times, 9 Sep. 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