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

Each bottle is accompanied with flavor profile, tasting notes and creative recipes, some of which are mind blowing. —Larry Olmsted, Forbes.com, 25 Apr. 2025

Here’s a quick and easy shiitake mushrooms recipe that takes just a few minutes to make. —Dr. Steven Gundry, CNBC, 25 Apr. 2025

How To Make Egg Gravy Want to try this unique recipe at home? —Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 25 Apr. 2025

Spoon some of the Blackberry–Almond Butter Sauce (recipe follows) over each serving (if using). —Michael Greger, Flow Space, 24 Apr. 2025

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