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

Here’s a recipe from chef Ray Garcia that can capture the magic of a warm, tasty biscuit. — Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 19 Sep. 2026

Change the character of this recipe by experimenting with different beers. — Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 19 Sep. 2026

The recipe comes together in minutes with just five ingredients. — Candy Hom, AJC.com, 19 Sep. 2026

Fall is around the corner, and Samin Nosrat has a lineup of cozy recipes to make weeknight cooking a breeze. — ABC News, 18 Sep. 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

Rhymes for recipe

• praecipe

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