Receipt vs. Recipe – Difference in Meaning & Spelling

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Candace Osmond

Candace Osmond studied Advanced Writing & Editing Essentials at MHC. She’s been an International and USA TODAY Bestselling Author for over a decade. And she’s worked as an Editor for several mid-sized publications. Candace has a keen eye for content editing and a high degree of expertise in Fiction.

Are you like me and ever find yourself confused when it comes to the spelling and pronunciation of “receipts” and “recipe”? I always have to use spell check when writing either of those words. It’s a common mistake, but you can easily clear it up with a little bit of knowledge about the etymology and usage of these two words, which I’ll explain right here in this guide.

Receipt vs. Recipe: Which Is Correct?

Receipt vs. Recipe Difference in Meaning Spelling

At a quick glance, the words receipt and recipe may seem interchangeable or even the same word if you don’t look closely enough. However, both are correct words in the English language but have two completely separate meanings.

A receipt is something written or printed on paper (these days can also be digital) that acknowledges the purchase of something. It’s like when you go shopping, and the cashier hands you a list of everything you purchase and proof that you paid on a slip of paper. That’s a receipt in noun form.

The verb meaning of receipt is the act of receiving something, but it’s usually used in a past tense form. Like, “The lady at Walmart receipted my purchase,” meaning the cashier gave you a list of everything you bought. 

Then we have the term “recipe,” a set of instructions for putting together a particular dish or food to eat. I’m not much of a cook, but my grandmother handed me her box of handwritten recipe cards with the word RECIPE written across the front. I see it every day and still get these two words mixed up.

The Etymology of the Word Receipts

The word “receipt” can be traced back to the 14th century with the medieval Latin word “recepta,” which means “something or a value received.”

The Etymology of the Word Recipe

“Recipe” has a more interesting history and comes from the early 1500s when it was used to describe the list of ingredients used by medical professionals for potions and tonics to help the sick. Later, it was adapted to describe a list of ingredients and steps for cooking food.

How Do You Spell Receipt?

The correct spelling is r-e-c-e-i-p-t, and the plural form has an S at the end, so r-e-c-e-i-p-t-s.

How Do You Spell Recipe?

The singular form of “recipe” is spelled as r-e-c-i-p-e. It’s a pretty simple word with no hidden letters or unusual spellings to worry about.

How to Pronounce Receipts and Recipe in English

When pronouncing the words “receipts” and “recipe,” just remember that it can vary depending on where you’re from or where you’re visiting.

For the most part, “receipts” is pronounced as ruh-seets.

“Recipe” is pronounced with a long “e” sound like reh-sup-pee.

Sentence Examples Using the Word Recipe

Receipt vs. Recipe Difference in Meaning Spelling 1
  • I found a wicked good recipe for chocolate chip cookies online that I want to try this weekend.
  • My mother-in-law gave me her beloved recipe for Ukrainian dumplings.
  • I want to try this Polish recipe for beetroot soup.
  • My nan’s homemade bread recipe is simple and foolproof.
  • The recipe for this soup calls for onions, carrots, and celery, but I’m going to add chicken, too.
  • My grandmother’s recipe for apple pie is a family secret she only shared with me.

Sentence Examples Using the Word Receipts

  • I always keep my receipts in a folder in case I need to return something.
  • The cashier gave me a receipt for the new air fryer I bought.
  • Can you please provide me with a receipt for the donation I made? I need it for taxes.
  • Keeping track of all my receipts for tax season is so daunting as a self-employed individual.

A Recipe for Success!

Understanding the origins and usage of these two simple words can help clear up any confusion you might have had. Just remember that the last three letters in recipe can spell PIE, which you can have a recipe for. That’s how I remember it!