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 Schmitz advises districts to provide clear specifications within each school about what is allowed, what is not allowed, and to clearly define what constitutes acceptable use of AI tools in academic work. Danielle Marie Holland, Parents, 25 Oct. 2024 Involving the platform’s developers in this process can also refine the specifications. Tomer Guriel, Forbes, 24 Oct. 2024 The new specifications, the Credential Exchange Protocol (CXP) and Credential Exchange Format (CXF), are designed to fill that gap. Jay Peters, The Verge, 15 Oct. 2024 Although no technical specifications have been made public yet, the concept from last year had a 2,625-lb (1,190-kg) curb weight and used a rear motor with 268 horsepower (200 kW) output. New Atlas, 15 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for specification 

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 5 Nov. 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.
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!