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

• 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

Save your favorite Better Homes & Gardens recipes in one place using MyRecipes. —Elizabeth Fogarty, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 Sep. 2025

That and his age, 37, is a recipe for retirement. —Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 6 Sep. 2025

With a shiny, almost mirror-like glaze, and tender ultra-moist crumb, this recipe is well worth the pain of greasing every nook and cranny of a Bundt pan to make. —Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 6 Sep. 2025

Normally, that would be a recipe for some edge-of-your-seat action, although Ben Hopkins’ script makes clear early on that the bomb is just a distraction, while an even more sinister plot is ticking within the blast radius. —Peter Debruge, Variety, 6 Sep. 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