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

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

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