recipe

noun

rec·i·pe | \ ˈre-sə-(ˌ)pē

Definition of recipe

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 The History of Receipt and Recipe More Example Sentences Learn More about recipe

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The History of Receipt and Recipe

These days it may seem odd to speak of "grandma's cookie receipt," but at one time the only meaning of receipt was "recipe." The first recorded use of receipt is a reference to a medicinal preparation in Chaucer's Canterbury Tales (c. 1386). Recipe didn't arrive until the 1500s, and it was also first used to describe medicine. Both words began to be applied to cooking only in the 18th century, after which recipe slowly became the preferred word. Receipt acquired its currently more familiar sense of "a written statement saying that money or goods have been received" in the 17th century. Both receipt and recipe are thought to be ultimately derived from Latin recipere ("to receive"), making them probable relatives as well as synonyms.

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

Understandably, Meghan and Harry seemed excited to sample some recipes during the session, which resulted in both of them bursting into laughter. — Amy Mackelden, Harper's BAZAAR, "Meghan Markle Teasing Prince Harry as He Eats a Pancake Is the Sweetest Thing You'll See Today," 26 Feb. 2019 Giving each other massages is a recipe for relaxation. — Suzannah Weiss, Glamour, "17 Foreplay Tips & Ideas You'll Be Dying to Try," 18 Jan. 2019 The chicken in this delicious taco recipe is tossed with cocoa and cinnamon for a sweet take on everyone's favorite Tuesday night dish. — Woman's Day Kitchen, Woman's Day, "Chicken Mole Tacos," 17 Jan. 2019 This is simultaneously a recipe for vaporware and for autocracy. — Matthew Yglesias, Vox, "Trump’s incompetence and authoritarianism are both scary," 15 Nov. 2018 Hence, Musk's impulsiveness and his fondness for overruling subordinates is a recipe for chaos in a car factory. — Timothy B. Lee, Ars Technica, "Tesla is outgrowing Elon Musk," 29 Sep. 2018 These recipes, full of nutrient-rich ingredients, are said to offer health benefits, both physical and mental. — WSJ, "Relaxation Guide For Stressful Times," 3 Nov. 2018 For David, these recipes were a nod to his mother and grandmother who taught him that delicious food doesn't have to break the bank — or eat up your time. — Amanda Garrity, Good Housekeeping, "Over 135,000 People Have Pre-Ordered David Venable's New Cookbook on QVC," 13 Aug. 2018 In the meantime, these recipes will bear their own rewards. — Laura Regensdorf, Vogue, "Meet the New Manuka Honey Brand that Belongs in Every Pantry," 13 Aug. 2018

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.