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

For the first episode with Gruel, RFK Jr will cook up a recipe for Crispy Salmon Cakes with Apple, White Bean & Green Salad. — Swapna Venugopal Ramaswamy, USA Today, 30 July 2026

Owner Audrey Dixon, niece of original owner Jana Howell, is selling the original recipes of the popular sugar cookies, cupcakes, cake balls, cheesecakes and cookie cakes. — Ella Gonzales, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 30 July 2026

Not changing the recipe has kept it the same taco that people remember from their childhoods. — Anne Ewbank, Sacbee.com, 30 July 2026

Attempting to be all things to all people is a recipe for feeling burnt out and resentful, and your best people-pleasing efforts could surely backfire. — Steph Koyfman, Condé Nast Traveler, 29 July 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