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

• approach
• fashion
• form
• how
• manner
• method
• methodology
• strategy
• style
• system
• tack
• tactics
• 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

Candied nuts call for salt and sugar, with some recipes using as much as 1 cup of sugar for every 3 cups of nuts. —Johna Burdeos, Health, 7 Jan. 2025

Early recipes combined carbonated water, sugar, and vanilla or other flavorings to create a creamy, sweet beverage. —Kevin Lynn, Newsweek, 7 Jan. 2025

Hiring them means bringing someone on board who knows the recipe that has brought them successes in the past. —Giuliana Corbo, Forbes, 7 Jan. 2025

And just like the original recipe, this one helps use up ripe bananas that need to be gone ASAP. —Southern Living Editors, Southern Living, 6 Jan. 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