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

No, most of the recipes being served out there consist of the following three main ingredients: coconut water, orange juice and pink salt. —Bruce Y. Lee, Forbes.com, 5 July 2025

Since 1959, generations of South Floridians have savored their chili dogs (plus fries, onion rings, and tots) blanketed with Flaminia’s original recipe. —Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 4 July 2025

The Farmer's Dog meal plans for dogs The Farmer’s Dog is offering new customers 50% off their first order of any recipe and plan for any dog type. —Kasey Caminiti, USA Today, 3 July 2025

With iOS 18, Apple added a Food section to News+ that includes restaurant reviews, cookery tips, and a searchable catalog of recipes with step-by-step instructions. —Simon Hill, Wired News, 3 July 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