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

In this recipe, they’re paired with tuna, tender greens, peperoncini, and celery for a bright, savory salad. — Emily Laurence Sardinha, Bon Appetit Magazine, 3 Oct. 2026

Some guy uploaded a video of his family’s recipe and gave me my mother’s cooking back. — Terrence O'Brien, The Verge, 3 Oct. 2026

Under Doyle’s leadership, Domino’s revamped its pizza recipe and released an ad campaign comparing its previous crust to cardboard. — Amelia Lucas, CNBC, 2 Oct. 2026

Authentic recipes paired with refined, modern plating are drawing customers to fill the dining room at one of Charlotte’s newest Indian restaurants — especially on weekends, which are regularly booked solid. — Heidi Finley, Charlotte Observer, 2 Oct. 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