specialize

verb

spe·​cial·​ize ˈspe-shə-ˌlīz How to pronounce specialize (audio)
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
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.
Jay received two referrals from his peers and was able to hire a new accountant who specializes in real estate rental businesses. Vlad Rusz, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025 What started nearly 35 years ago as a one-man operation in a modest shop has since evolved into a thriving manufacturing powerhouse, specializing in custom metal parts, CNC milling, metal stamping, and sheet metal fabrication. Matthew Kayser, USA Today, 30 June 2025 Home Depot's decision to buy SRS — which specializes in the pool, landscaping, and roofing space — was considered an aggressive move to gain market share among specialized contractors. Natasha Abellard, CNBC, 30 June 2025 Bieber’s tiny fruits layered over sheer nude polish is a common pairing seen by manicurists who specialize in micro nail art, such as Knight and Betina Goldstein. Sophia Panych, Allure, 30 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for specialize

Word History

First Known Use

1616, in the meaning defined at sense 4

Time Traveler
The first known use of specialize was in 1616

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Cite this Entry

“Specialize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/specialize. Accessed 9 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

specialize

verb
spe·​cial·​ize ˈspesh-ə-ˌlīz How to pronounce specialize (audio)
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
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

More from Merriam-Webster on specialize

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