specify

verb

spec·​i·​fy ˈspe-sə-ˌfī 

specified; specifying

transitive verb

1

: to name or state explicitly or in detail

2

: to include as an item in a specification

specifiable

ˌspe-sə-ˈfī-ə-bəl 

adjective

specifier

ˈspe-sə-ˌfī(-ə)r 

noun

Synonyms of specify

• define
• prescribe

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

Apple has yet to specify which airports will accept Digital ID. —PC Magazine, 13 Nov. 2025

In the list, DND stands for did not disclose; NR stands for not rated; CY stands for current year, and PY stands for past year; all the dollar figures are in millions unless otherwise specified. —Joseph Powell, Cincinnati Enquirer, 13 Nov. 2025

The inscription specifies a deadline — specifically, the first day of the month of Av — and mentions a chariot officer, according to experts. —Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 12 Nov. 2025

An agency spokesman would not specify exact numbers for the increase, citing security reasons. —Syra Ortiz Blanes, Miami Herald, 12 Nov. 2025

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

Phrases Containing specify

• pre-specify

Rhymes for specify

• abscissae
• alibi
• alkali
• alumni
• amoebae
• amplify
• annuli
• beautify
• brachii
• butterfly
• calculi
• certify

Kids Definition

specify

verb

spec·​i·​fy ˈspes-ə-ˌfī 

specified; specifying

1

: to name or mention exactly and clearly

specify the cause

2

: to include in a specification

specify oak flooring