recipe

noun

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

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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.
But the recipe is published, the invitation is open, and the first serious result is on the table. — Dan Fitzpatrick, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026 Whether stowed in a recipe tin, pasted in a book, or safely tucked away in a memory, family recipes are part of what makes cooking so special. — Mary Shannon Wells, Southern Living, 2 July 2026 Below are nine recipes featured in the special, offering everything from classic barbecue favorites to regional dishes inspired by communities across the country. — Staff, FOXNews.com, 3 July 2026 Chef McGrady shared the wealth, posting the exact recipe for Diana's favorite breakfast on his YouTube channel in June 2025. — Emma Banks, InStyle, 2 July 2026 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

Phrases Containing recipe

Rhymes for recipe

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Browse Nearby Words

recip
recipe
recipe book
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Cite this Entry

“Recipe.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/recipe. Accessed 10 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

recipe

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

More from Merriam-Webster on recipe

Nglish: Translation of recipe for Spanish Speakers

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