specialize

verb

spe·​cial·​ize ˈspe-shə-ˌlīz 

specialized; specializing

1

intransitive

a

: to concentrate one's efforts in a special activity, field, or practice

a doctor who specializes in pediatrics

an attorney who specializes in estate planning

Everywhere, the pressure is on young people to specialize.

—Donald Kaul

b

: to have a characteristic, habitual way of behaving, speaking, etc.

… the halftime commentator on ESPN 2, who specialized in inanities throughout the tournament …

—Jonathan Wilson

… a computer industry that seems to specialize in simultaneous hype and obfuscation …

—Walter S. Mossberg

The anti-environmental presidency was orchestrated by administration insiders who have specialized in being out of touch …

—Gregg Easterbrook

2

intransitive biology : to undergo specialization (see specialization sense 2) or differentiation

As cells begin to specialize into adult tissues, methylation seems to inactivate genes that are no longer needed.

—John Travis

especially : to change adaptively

… diversity comes about because each different fish has to specialize, to find its own niche where it can do better than its competitors.

—Kenneth E. F. Watt

3

transitive : to apply or direct (something or someone) to a specific end, use, or specialty

specialized their study

… media are evolving so quickly that education of the future will probably be forced to specialize students in one or another media-type, no longer producing a single "literate" man.

—Henry G. Burger

Even some small police departments have seen fit to specialize their investigative units …

—Daniel S. McDevitt

4

transitive dated : to make particular mention of (something) : specify, particularize

… Edward dares not specialize what alone he dreads.

—Edward Bulwer-Lytton

Examples of specialize in a Sentence

Some carpenters do a wide range of jobs, while others specialize.

Recent Examples on the Web

The first of the popular free series, now in its 11th season, will begin Friday and include local musicians and artists specializing in categories like fine art, pottery, jewelry and illustration. —Janice Phelan, Kansas City Star, 24 Apr. 2024

In addition to those award-winning properties, the author of this article, Sophie Dodd, contributed her expertise as a travel writer specializing in luxury and boutique hotels. —Sophie Dodd, Travel + Leisure, 24 Apr. 2024

The Sun Mask specializes in powerful melee combat while the Moon Mask lets the protagonist attack from afar with projectiles. —Gieson Cacho, The Mercury News, 22 Apr. 2024

The store specializes in antiques and vintage clothing from the 1920s to the 1980s. —Lilah Ramzi, Vogue, 22 Apr. 2024

To reach this conclusion, described last month in the European Journal of Archaeology, researchers teamed up with professional tattoo artists who specialize in traditional, non-electric techniques. —Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 19 Apr. 2024

Why Trust Us is a freelance writer for PEOPLE who specializes in thorough, honest product reviews. —Olivia Avitt, Peoplemag, 12 Apr. 2024

In the senate meeting, Dr. Hanley, who specializes in the Middle East, said that the new name would obfuscate the requirement’s very intent. —Stephanie Saul, New York Times, 12 Apr. 2024

This could mean opportunities for those looking to specialize in these fields. —Garry Murdock, Variety, 11 Apr. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1616, in the meaning defined at sense 4

Phrases Containing specialize

• sub-specialize

Kids Definition

specialize

verb

spe·​cial·​ize ˈspesh-ə-ˌlīz 

specialized; specializing

1

: to limit one's attention or energy to one business, subject, or study

2

: to undergo specialization

Medical Definition

specialize

intransitive verb

spe·​cial·​ize

variants also British specialise

ˈspesh-ə-ˌlīz 

specialized also British specialised; specializing also British specialising

1

: to concentrate one's efforts in a special activity or field : become or be a specialist

specialize in anesthesiology

2

: to undergo evolutionary specialization