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

Conversely, the players with the longest odds to score a touchdown are priced accordingly, and chasing their long odds is also a recipe for losing in the long term. —Josh Shepardson, Forbes.com, 24 Jan. 2026

Eliminate water and Key lime concentrate from recipe). —Kathryn Gregory, Louisville Courier Journal, 23 Jan. 2026

Including hearty soups and stews, comforting baked goods, and steaming drinks, these snow-day recipes are perfect for warming up your home (and your belly) when the world outside is frozen solid. —Joe Sevier, Bon Appetit Magazine, 23 Jan. 2026

That is not the recipe for success. —Baltimore Sun Staff, Baltimore Sun, 23 Jan. 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