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

Several users also discussed homemade versions of the gravy, sharing recipes and tips for recreating it in their own kitchens. —Kelly McGreal, FOXNews.com, 31 May 2026

Like all good food, no one really knows what went into the original recipe, but its development is credit (again, like so much good food), to Black communities in the South. —Aj Willingham, AJC.com, 31 May 2026

This was a recipe for disaster. —William Guillory, New York Times, 31 May 2026

It’s swathed in treasured family recipes passed down through generations, amusing stories and anecdotes exchanged at holiday dinners and events, and daily conversations at random places with random people. —Catharine Kaufman, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 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