cookbook

1 of 2

noun

cook·​book ˈku̇k-ˌbu̇k How to pronounce cookbook (audio)
: a book of cooking directions and recipes
broadly : a book of detailed instructions

cookbook

2 of 2

adjective

: involving or using step-by-step procedures whose rationale is usually not explained
a cookbook approach

Examples of cookbook in a Sentence

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.
Noun
The actor studied cookbooks to practice her skills, and one of her specialties was the French dish pot-au-feu. — Juliana Ukiomogbe, Architectural Digest, 16 Oct. 2026 Bursting with 101 recipes for everything from spicy butter masala pasta to dirty chai espresso martinis, the cookbook rejoices in the culinary possibilities that arise with blending cultures. — Emma Specter, Vogue, 14 Oct. 2026
Adjective
Heather is also a cookbook author; Pure Delicious is her latest release. — Heather Christo, Better Homes & Gardens, 23 Jan. 2023 It’s designed by Jeremy Mickel and inspired by the warmth of cookbook fonts from the 1960s and ’70s. — Dawn Davis, Bon Appétit, 22 Nov. 2022 See All Example Sentences for cookbook

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1809, in the meaning defined above

Adjective

1899, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of cookbook was in 1809

Rhymes for cookbook

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Browse Nearby Words

cookable
cookbook
cook cheese
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Cite this Entry

“Cookbook.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cookbook. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

cookbook

noun
cook·​book
ˈku̇k-ˌbu̇k
: a book of cooking recipes and cooking directions

More from Merriam-Webster on cookbook

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about cookbook

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