specify

verb

spec·​i·​fy ˈspe-sə-ˌfī How to pronounce specify (audio)
specified; specifying

transitive verb

1
: to name or state explicitly or in detail
2
: to include as an item in a specification
specifiable adjective
specifier noun

Examples of specify in a Sentence

Can you specify the cause of the argument? Specify the color and quantity when you order. He clearly specified California wine. The instructions do not specify what kind of screws to use. All subscriptions are for one year unless otherwise specified. At the specified time, we rang the bell. She agreed to the terms specified in the contract.
Recent Examples on the Web In order for the project to go forward, Yucaipa’s City Council must both approve it and update a 2008 plan that specifies how the city’s freeway corridor — a 1,200-acre area bisected by Interstate 10 — should be developed. Alex Wigglesworth, Los Angeles Times, 14 Sep. 2024 Is there a limit on aircraft? FAA regulations do not specify how many banner towers can fly in a specific time frame. Dana Afana, Detroit Free Press, 14 Sep. 2024 The law does not specify what penalties, if any, the district could face for non-compliance. Cleo Krejci, Journal Sentinel, 13 Sep. 2024 Update: An earlier version of this story did not specify Swift’s record break against Beyoncé was for the latter’s solo efforts only. Thania Garcia, Variety, 12 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for specify 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'specify.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English specifien, from Anglo-French specifier, from Late Latin specificare, from specificus

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of specify was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near specify

Cite this Entry

“Specify.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/specify. Accessed 2 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

specify

verb
spec·​i·​fy ˈspes-ə-ˌfī How to pronounce specify (audio)
specified; specifying
1
: to name or mention exactly and clearly
specify the cause
2
: to include in a specification
specify oak flooring

More from Merriam-Webster on specify

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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