recipe

noun

rec·​i·​pe ˈre-sə-(ˌ)pē How to pronounce recipe (audio)
1
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

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Honeycrisp apples work particularly well in this recipe, delivering a tart-sweet flavor that complements the cake. Ann Taylor Pittman, Southern Living, 11 Oct. 2025 Their successful hosting of World Cup 1994, combined with their professional league and their track-record of dominance in other sports, seemed a surefire recipe for serious progress. Michael Cox, New York Times, 11 Oct. 2025 One user said their mother told them to only use half the salt and garlic that the recipe called for. Rachel Raposas, PEOPLE, 11 Oct. 2025 In some parts of the Lone Star State, recipes even include citrus zest for a Southwestern twist. Deirdre Bardolf, FOXNews.com, 11 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for recipe

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of recipe was in 1533

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Recipe.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/recipe. Accessed 16 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

recipe

noun
rec·​i·​pe ˈres-ə-(ˌ)pē How to pronounce recipe (audio)
1
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 How to pronounce recipe (audio)

More from Merriam-Webster on recipe

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