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

Below are nine recipes featured in the special, offering everything from classic barbecue favorites to regional dishes inspired by communities across the country. — Staff, FOXNews.com, 3 July 2026

With MyRecipes, your personal home for recipes, easily save and organize your favorite Better Homes & Gardens recipes, plus thousands more, in one convenient place. — Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 3 July 2026

According to the release, the treat started as East Tennessee McDonald's Owner/Operator Litton Cochran's family recipe, which later gained popularity locally before catching on nationally. — Chiara Kim, PEOPLE, 2 July 2026

Owners Monica Quinto and Anyelo Farfán channel their Mexico City upbringing into the menu with massive tacos, chicharrón de queso, and family salsa recipes. — Jenn Harris, Los Angeles Times, 2 July 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