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

Rushing through your plans is a recipe for disaster, so avoid attempting to multitask. —Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 13 Mar. 2026

This recipe turned Southern cola into a rich and moist chocolate cake. —Nellah Bailey McGough, Southern Living, 13 Mar. 2026

There, they are boiled with sugar and then made into a red bean paste to use in other recipes for pastries or other desserts. —Jennifer Lefton, Verywell Health, 13 Mar. 2026

The recipe for Jäger contains a total of 56 different botanicals, many of which are not revealed, but Lugermeister is a bit simpler than that—in terms of its recipe, not its flavor. —Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 13 Mar. 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