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

Chicken rice is a serious business in East and Southeast Asia, and the recipe at this prosaic storefront has a lineage that goes back to the celebrated version introduced in the 1970s at Chatterbox in Singapore. —Ligaya Mishan, New York Times, 11 May 2026

Their recipe for success, however, remained depth. —Dan Albano, Oc Register, 10 May 2026

Stick to oil-packed for this recipe. —Nina Moskowitz, Bon Appetit Magazine, 10 May 2026

Your favorite ten-minute weeknight meals, five-ingredient recipes, and dishes that require almost no cooking all have a place on this menu. —Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 May 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