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

In it, two friends with nothing to lose become hooked on power after hitting on a winning spicy beef jerky recipe made with human flesh. — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 10 Oct. 2026

The original recipe was two parts apple brandy to one part each of the liqueurs, giving this cocktail a quotient of sweetness that even its formidable alcohol content can’t quite tame. — Jeremy Repanich, Robb Report, 10 Oct. 2026

Try her recipe for this comforting baked pasta with tomato, sausage and ricotta. — Clare Marie Schneider, NPR, 10 Oct. 2026

The notion of the bakers just getting a bunch of stuff, no recipe, and little time to prepare is the kind of high-wire act that usually makes reality television sing. — Brian Moylan, Vulture, 9 Oct. 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