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 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
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.
Each channel has different requirements, routing guides, compliance standards, package specifications and customer expectations, and the level of operational complexity has grown exponentially. — Tom Wicky, Forbes.com, 20 Oct. 2026 The traditional foot data collection process often incorporates historical specifications, manual measurements, and standard wear-testing feedback. — Fairchild Studio, Footwear News, 19 Oct. 2026 The company's specifications are still subject to change, and the Roadster shown at the unveiling remains a prototype. — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 18 Oct. 2026 Once a company selects a preferred motor approach, researchers can transition the results into Motor AI to generate detailed design configurations and engineering specifications. — Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 15 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for specification

Word History

First Known Use

1633, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of specification was in 1633

Rhymes for specification

See All Rhymes for specification

Browse Nearby Words

specificate
specification
specificative
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Cite this Entry

“Specification.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/specification. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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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.

More from Merriam-Webster on specification

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about specification

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