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

That isn't usually a recipe for success and must be fixed in the very near future. —Evan Massey, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Dec. 2025

Read on for our beloved recipes of 2025. —Nina Moskowitz, Bon Appetit Magazine, 6 Dec. 2025

Coffee lovers with sufficient counter space may prefer electric models, like the Greater Goods electric kettle ($65) or the Stagg EKG ($180 and up), which have variable temperature control—useful because many coffee-brewing recipes call for water that is not quite boiling. —Kelefa Sanneh, New Yorker, 6 Dec. 2025

Today’s recipe delivers both warmth and nutrients. —Bethany Thayer, Freep.com, 6 Dec. 2025

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