specialty

noun

spe·​cial·​ty ˈspe-shəl-tē How to pronounce specialty (audio)
plural specialties
Synonyms of specialtynext
often attributive
1
: a distinctive mark or quality
2
a
: a special object or class of objects: such as
(1)
: a legal agreement embodied in a sealed instrument
(2)
: a product of a special kind or of special excellence
fried chicken is my specialty
b
: the state of being special, distinctive, or peculiar
3
: something in which one specializes

Synonyms of specialty

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Examples of specialty in a Sentence

Buttermilk pie is a Southern specialty. a doctor with a specialty in dermatology
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.
This creates a specialty chemical powerhouse with exposure to the semiconductor sector. — Jim Cramer, CNBC, 6 July 2026 Right Start your day at Candlewood Farms Coffee & Bakery with a specialty coffee or chai while noshing on small-batch bagels, breads, and other baked goods. — Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 7 July 2026 The upper floor houses a food hall selling local specialties like lampredotto (tripe sandwiches) and schiacciata (a Tuscan flatbread). — Laura Itzkowitz, Travel + Leisure, 8 July 2026 This effort, Sitapati said, is not about governance but rather about collaboration across the broad set of academic specialties that medical AI is already touching. — Paul Sisson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for specialty

Word History

Etymology

Middle English specialte, from Anglo-French especialté, from Late Latin specialitat-, specialitas, from Latin specialis special

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of specialty was in the 15th century

Phrases Containing specialty

Rhymes for specialty

See All Rhymes for specialty

Browse Nearby Words

special trust
specialty
specialty contract
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Specialty.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/specialty. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

specialty

noun
spe·​cial·​ty ˈspesh-əl-tē How to pronounce specialty (audio)
plural specialties
1
: a product of a special kind or of special excellence
eggs were the cook's specialty
2
: something a person specializes in or has special knowledge of

Medical Definition

specialty

noun
spe·​cial·​ty ˈspesh-əl-tē How to pronounce specialty (audio)
plural specialties
: something (as a branch of medicine) in which one specializes

Legal Definition

specialty

noun
spe·​cial·​ty
plural specialties
1
[from the special form of the contract] : formal contract at contract
2
: a doctrine providing that a person extradited can be prosecuted only for the charges described in the order for extradition
3
: real property (as a parcel of land or especially a structure) that is of such specialized character that no market for it exists and for which value upon condemnation is determined by the cost of reproduction less depreciation
—used especially in New York

More from Merriam-Webster on specialty

Nglish: Translation of specialty for Spanish Speakers

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