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

For seasoned cooks and kitchen novices, cookbook author and nutritionist Robin Miller takes it back to basics with great, family-friendly recipes worth making over and over again. —Robin Miller, AZCentral.com, 27 Feb. 2026

In an increasingly crowded market, it’s estimated that as many as 96% of books sell fewer than 100 copies — hardly a recipe for a sustainable business model for individual authors. —Malana Van Tyler, Miami Herald, 27 Feb. 2026

This recipe is the perfect blend of old-fashioned gingerbread cake flavor and the convenience of grab-and-go muffins. —Zoe Denenberg, Southern Living, 27 Feb. 2026

Key Takeaways Egg yolk coffee is a traditional Italian recipe that combines espresso with sugar and an egg yolk. —Eleesha Lockett, Verywell Health, 27 Feb. 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

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