recipe

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

Chef Daniel Patterson has an alternative with this boiled scrambled eggs recipe that results in a terrifically light, fluffy and tender dish.

— Bloomberg.com, "Your Evening Briefing," 29 Aug. 2017
Among the recipes in her book is this baked ricotta appetizer with fresh oregano, thyme and rosemary.

— chris ross, sandiegouniontribune.com, "Let summer's fresh herbs season Baked Ricotta," 29 Aug. 2017
The kissing photos immediately go viral, in part because Selena is friends with Bella's sister Gigi, making this the perfect recipe for a celebrity #SquadWar.

— diana bruk, Cosmopolitan, "Everything You Need to Know About Selena Gomez and The Weeknd’s Relationship," 24 Aug. 2017
This quick and potent chocolate recipe is perfect for a sweet bite after a romantic dinner.

— gabriella paiella, The Cut, "The 23 Most Ridiculous Moments in Goop History, Ranked," 24 Aug. 2017
But some people think the latest recipe to go viral takes it one step too far.

— katina beniaris, Country Living, "There's Big Controversy Over This 'Low-Calorie' Mac-and-Cheese Recipe," 24 Aug. 2017
Like a recipe book written in 1944, Instagram declares: Still gotta eat!

— alexis c. madrigal, The Atlantic, "'Link in Bio' Keeps Instagram Nice," 23 Aug. 2017
After her death, family members took on the work of revising the cookbook and adding further recipes.

— kat eschner, Smithsonian, "Fannie Farmer Was the Original Rachael Ray," 23 Aug. 2017
Maybe not as convenient as popping the top off of an energy drink, but pretty darn convenient (see recipe).

— kevin hopper, idahostatesman, "Reintroducing the world’s oldest energy drink, the switchel," 22 Aug. 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

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1533

See Words from the same year

recipe Synonyms

Synonyms

approach, fashion, form, how, manner, methodology, method, strategy, style, system, tack, tactics, technique, way

Related Words

mode, modus operandi; blueprint, design, game, game plan, ground plan, intrigue, layout, line, model, plan, plot, program, route, scheme; expedient, move, shift, step; practice (also practise), process, routine; policy

Other Food Terms

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

RECIPE Defined for English Language Learners

recipe

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

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.