special needs

plural noun

Synonyms of special needsnext
: any of various difficulties (such as a physical, emotional, behavioral, or learning disability or impairment) that causes an individual to require additional or specialized services or accommodations (such as in education or recreation)
students with special needs
special-needs
ˈspe-shəl-ˈnēdz How to pronounce special needs (audio)
adjective
or special needs
special-needs children
a special needs teacher

Examples of special needs 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.
My wife worked in early education and with special needs children. — Gillian Telling, PEOPLE, 10 June 2026 Stewart's also advising families on how to pick a summer camp if their child has special needs. — Brandon Goldner, CBS News, 24 June 2026 Gyminny Kids also has a strong adaptive gymnastics program for children with special needs. — Karen Billing, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 June 2026 In a Facebook post, officials said the child may have special needs and is estimated to be 3- to 4-years-old. — Maveah Griffith, Charlotte Observer, 18 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for special needs

Word History

First Known Use

1899, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of special needs was in 1899

Rhymes for special needs

See All Rhymes for special needs

Browse Nearby Words

special master
special needs
specialness
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Special needs.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/special%20needs. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

special needs

plural noun
: any of various difficulties (such as physical, emotional, behavioral, or learning disability or impairment) that causes an individual to require additional or specialized services or accommodations (such as in education or recreation)
special–needs adjective

Medical Definition

special needs

noun plural
: the individual requirements (as for education) of a person with a disadvantaged background or a mental, emotional, or physical disability or a high risk of developing one
Some urban homeschooled kids, particularly those with special needs, were previously enrolled in school but not served well there.—Linda Perlstein, Newsweek
special-needs adjective
special-needs students
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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