specialization

noun

spe·​cial·​i·​za·​tion ˌspe-sh(ə-)lə-ˈzā-shən 

1

: a making or becoming specialized

2

a

: structural adaptation of a body part to a particular function or of an organism for life in a particular environment

b

: a body part or an organism adapted by specialization

Examples of specialization in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The 20-year-old musician is set to become the first student to graduate with a minor in mariachi from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, one of the only universities in the country to offer such a niche specialization. — Jessica Hill, Los Angeles Times, 13 Oct. 2026

Firms don't need to be all things to all people because there's opportunity in specialization. — Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 28 Sep. 2026

Artificial intelligence and technology in general are not among his fields of specialization. — Jonathan Chait, The Atlantic, 14 Sep. 2026

The growing trend toward year-round, single-sport specialization at a young age carries real physical and emotional risks for growing bodies. — Michael Swartzon, Miami Herald, 9 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1831, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing specialization

• sub-specialization

Rhymes for specialization

• abbreviation
• abomination
• acceleration
• accentuation
• accommodation
• accreditation
• acculturation
• accumulation
• acetylation
• adjudication
• administration
• adulteration

Kids Definition

specialization

noun

spe·​cial·​i·​za·​tion ˌspesh-(ə-)lə-ˈzā-shən 

1

: a making or becoming specialized

2

a

: a change in the structure of a body part so that it becomes suited for performing a particular function or of a whole plant or animal so that it is suited for life in a particular environment

b

: a body part or an organism changed by specialization

Medical Definition

specialization

noun

spe·​cial·​iza·​tion ˌspesh-(ə-)lə-ˈzā-shən 

variants also British specialisation

ˌspesh-ə-ˌlī- 

1

: a making or becoming specialized

specialization in pediatrics

2

a

: structural adaptation of a body part to a particular function or of an organism for life in a particular environment

b

: a body part or an organism adapted by specialization