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.
General Mills isn’t the only major cereal maker changing its recipes. — Dave Quinn, PEOPLE, 27 Aug. 2026 The Pets Table combines high-quality nutrition with ingredient transparency, offering recipes made without artificial flavors, colors, or fillers, and featuring protein options such as salmon and pork for dogs with specific sensitivities. — Matthew Kayser, USA Today, 27 Aug. 2026 Abdul-Kafi drew inspiration for many of his recipes from his family. — Maven Navarro, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 27 Aug. 2026 Today’s recipe A basic vinaigrette is a balancing act between acidity and fat. — Jack Dolan, Los Angeles Times, 26 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 1 Sep. 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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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