specification

noun

spec·​i·​fi·​ca·​tion ˌspe-sə-fə-ˈkā-shən How to pronounce specification (audio)
ˌspes-fə-
1
: the act or process of specifying
2
a
: a detailed precise presentation of something or of a plan or proposal for something
usually used in plural
b
: a statement of legal particulars (as of charges or of contract terms)
also : a single item of such statement
c
: a written description of an invention for which a patent is sought

Examples of specification in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Because of these special needs, Velcro required a home with certain specifications — calm, slow-paced, ideally one story — which unfortunately extended his stay at the Texas shelter. Kelli Bender, Peoplemag, 13 Mar. 2024 General Motors’ Super Cruise system was the only ADAS product tested that met those specifications. Popular Science, 13 Mar. 2024 Camera specifications otherwise sound almost identical, besides perhaps recording 1080p at 240fps, potentially for smoother slow-mo footage than its 120fps predecessor. Jess Weatherbed, The Verge, 13 Mar. 2024 His friends, who had minded the Airbnb in his absence, not only left the key for her, but also decorated the kitchen to his specifications: balloons, streamers, flowers, tequila and a birthday card. Rosalie R. Radomsky, New York Times, 1 Mar. 2024 For example, in construction or engineering, companies engage offshore civil engineers for the creation of structural drawings, engineering specification documents, bill of material analysis and so much more. Shaveer Mirpuri, Forbes, 1 Mar. 2024 The most recent approach discussed internally was delaying a car release until 2028 and reducing self-driving specifications from Level 4 to Level 2+ technology. Mark Gurman, Fortune, 27 Feb. 2024 The car was recreated to its 15-liter, 1908 specification, and when the rebuilt engine was fired up for the first time in 1982, it’s reputed to have started on its first turn. Robert Ross, Robb Report, 19 Feb. 2024 Trains roll into the facilities, where they are disassembled, reconditioned to near-factory specifications, and then sent back out into a railroad that functions as New York’s vascular system, pumping more than a billion riders across 345 million miles each year, 24 hours a day, every day. David Waldstein, New York Times, 1 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'specification.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1633, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of specification was in 1633

Dictionary Entries Near specification

Cite this Entry

“Specification.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/specification. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

specification

noun
spec·​i·​fi·​ca·​tion ˌspes-(ə-)fə-ˈkā-shən How to pronounce specification (audio)
1
: the act or process of specifying
2
a
: a description of work to be done or materials to be used
usually used in plural
the architect's specifications for a new building
b
: a single specified item

Legal Definition

specification

noun
spec·​i·​fi·​ca·​tion ˌspe-sə-fə-ˈkā-shən How to pronounce specification (audio)
: a detailed precise presentation of something or of a plan or proposal for something: as
a
: a written statement containing a description of particulars (as of charges or contract terms)
b
: a written description of an invention or discovery for which a patent is sought that embodies the manner and process of making and using the invention or discovery and concludes with a claim of that aspect for which the applicant demands credit
c
: a written description of construction work to be done forming part of the contract
usually used in pl.
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