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 International Civil Aviation Organization standards further specify how often and detailed the data must be. Gregory Wallace, CNN, 17 Mar. 2024 In the latest lawsuit, the plaintiffs are seeking punitive, compensatory and general damages, although the lawsuit doesn't specify an amount. Aimee Picchi, CBS News, 15 Mar. 2024 Then city officials expect to create a development plan specifying precisely which uses go where. David Garrick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 Mar. 2024 The Grammy winner did not specify when exactly all of his albums will return to Spotify. Sadie Bell, Peoplemag, 13 Mar. 2024 Its statement didn't specify whether there were any survivors. Jim Heintz and Hanna Arhirova, Quartz, 12 Mar. 2024 This particular finding comes from a CDC report that also specifies that this reaction occurs when benzoyl peroxide is exposed to excessive heat, specifically 158–176 degrees Fahrenheit—so, on the lower end, the exact temp used in the Valisure study to trigger the reaction. Jessica Chia, SELF, 12 Mar. 2024 Banker specifies that baby goats are used exclusively for goat yoga. Ella Gonzales, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 8 Mar. 2024 Requests must specify which county or counties the recount is being asked for. Angela Rodriguez, Sacramento Bee, 8 Mar. 2024

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 28 Mar. 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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