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
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.
Without specifying any figures, Sinclair says its ratings for women’s tennis have grown since 2023, especially among the coveted 18-to-34-year-old demographic. Brendan Coffey, Sportico.com, 1 July 2025 This must include at least 100 MHz from 3.98 to 4.2 GHz, but the plan doesn't specify where the rest of the 300 MHz or more would be taken from. ArsTechnica, 30 June 2025 While the lawsuits don’t specify a dollar amount for damages, some cases say the amount exceeds $5 million, which is the threshold under the Class Action Fairness Act. Catherine Muccigrosso, Charlotte Observer, 27 June 2025 However, as the New York Times’ Amelia Nierenberg reports, the museum declined to specify what those restrictions might be. Aurora Martínez, Smithsonian Magazine, 27 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for specify

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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Specify.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/specify. Accessed 5 Jul. 2025.

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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