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.
These casks were then filled with mature whiskey which was distilled at Boann a few years ago using the distillery’s Preston’s Vintage Mashbill XI recipe. — Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 6 Aug. 2026 DeCicco shared the following simple, high-protein smoothie recipes that can be made at home. — Angelica Stabile, FOXNews.com, 6 Aug. 2026 These farmers market recipes keep prep simple, so the fruit does the heavy lifting. — Lauren Schuster, Charlotte Observer, 6 Aug. 2026 Demanding a perfect consensus before adopting any safety measures is a recipe for infinite delay and no safety at all. — Chicago Tribune, 6 Aug. 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 11 Aug. 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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