recipe

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noun rec·i·pe \ˈre-sə-(ˌ)pē\

Definition of recipe

1 : prescription 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

See recipe defined for English-language learners

See recipe defined for kids

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 of recipe from the Web

Then there’s my list of trying to upgrade my kitchen game with new recipes that inspire good health.

— by sherry kuehl, kansascity, "The fifth of July is no holiday for those who love summer", 5 July 2017
According to General Mills, the Oui yogurt recipe is based on the way yogurt was made in French farmhouses more than a century ago.

— Health.com, "Is French Yogurt the New Greek?", 28 June 2017
The original beef recipe was concocted by his wife, Peggy, according to its history on its website.

— bob bong, Daily Southtown, "New Southern barbecue restaurant opens in Mokena", 28 June 2017
Considering contestants are reportedly encouraged to drink all day, two drinks per hour still seems like a recipe for debauchery once the sun starts setting—and as Jackson opened up to E!

— laura bradley, HWD, "Bachelor in Paradise Damage Control Only Makes the Show Look Worse", 27 June 2017
Arevalo said many of the recipes in her country also have a Spanish origin, as does this one.

— philip potempa, Post-Tribune, "Try this recipe fit for 'The Food for the Gods'", 23 June 2017
Established in 1977, Great American Cookies was founded on a generations-old family recipe and has offered freshly baked cookies, brownies and cookie cakes since opening its first shop in Atlanta.

— kirby adams, The Courier-Journal, "Great American Cookies turns 40 and is giving away free Cookie Cakes", 20 June 2017
Get regular updates from NYT Cooking, with recipe suggestions, cooking tips and shopping advice.

— pete wells, New York Times, "At Don Peppe, Expect a Lot of Everything", 20 June 2017
Each recipe is printed on a piece of parchment paper using food-safe ink and features the outline of the quantity of each ingredient called for in the dish.

— lauren smith, House Beautiful, "IKEA's Recipe Posters Are Way Easier to Understand Than Furniture Instructions", 16 June 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'recipe'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of recipe

Latin, take, imperative of recipere to take, receive — more at receive

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First Known Use: 1533

See Words from the same year

Other Food Terms

Reuben, calamari, chuck, curry, edamame, foie gras, hummus, leaven, nonpareil, peel

RECIPE Defined for English Language Learners

recipe

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noun

Definition of recipe for English Language Learners

: a set of instructions for making food
: a way of doing something that will produce a particular result

RECIPE Defined for Kids

recipe

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noun rec·i·pe \ˈre-sə-pē\

Definition of recipe for Students

: a set of instructions for making something (as a food dish) by combining various things

History for recipe

In the Middle Ages, a doctor's instructions for taking a drug would begin with the Latin word recipe, literally, “take!” Recipe is a form used in commands of the verb recipere, meaning “to take” or “to receive.” The verb receive itself comes from Latin recipere, but through French—as does the word receipt, which was once commonly used to mean “recipe.” From its use as a name for a drug prescription, recipe extended its meaning to cover instructions for making other things we consume, such as prepared food.