spec

1 of 3

noun

ˈspek How to pronounce spec (audio)
1
: specification
—usually plural
also : a single quantity (such as a dimension or a measure of performance) describing a product especially as part of a specification
2
: speculation
built the house on spec

spec

2 of 3

verb

specced or spec'd ˈspekt How to pronounce spec (audio) ; speccing

transitive verb

: to write specifications for

spec

3 of 3

abbreviation

1
special; specialist
2
specifically

Examples of spec in a Sentence

Noun parts built according to spec
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
Within Calico, simple prompts let teams modify technical specs in seconds, instantly updating records and notifying relevant partners across the supply chain. — Arthur Zaczkiewicz, Footwear News, 26 Oct. 2026 As of press time, the production version’s performance specs and price have yet to be announced, but McLaren says 500 examples will be made. — Jason Barlow, Robb Report, 24 Oct. 2026
Verb
Unbounder As far as electrical hardware, Unbounder works with each customer to spec out a system around their needs. — New Atlas, 23 Oct. 2026 Design first; then, everything downstream manufactures to spec. — Pradeep Prasana Kanagaraj, Forbes.com, 25 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for spec

Word History

Etymology

Noun

by alteration

First Known Use

Noun

1926, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1965, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of spec was in 1926

Phrases Containing spec

Rhymes for spec

See All Rhymes for spec

Browse Nearby Words

speat
spec
speci-
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Spec.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/spec. Accessed 1 Nov. 2026.

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Kids Definition

spec

noun
ˈspek
: specification sense 2a
—usually used in plural

Legal Definition

spec

transitive verb
ˈspek
specced or spec'd ˈspekt How to pronounce spec (audio) ; speccing
ˈspe-kiŋ
: to write specifications for
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