specification

noun

spec·​i·​fi·​ca·​tion ˌspe-sə-fə-ˈkā-shən 

ˌspes-fə-

1

: the act or process of specifying

2

a

: a detailed precise presentation of something or of a plan or proposal for something

—usually used in plural

b

: a statement of legal particulars (as of charges or of contract terms)

also : a single item of such statement

c

: a written description of an invention for which a patent is sought

Examples of specification in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The current deal is on a cheaper variant with similar technical specifications. —Shubham Yewale, PCMAG, 4 June 2024

Other than that, the vehicle’s specifications are pretty much the same: dual-motor all-wheel drive powertrain capable of 600 horsepower and 617 pound-feet of torque, a zero to 60mph time of about 3.4 seconds, and the iconic seven-pillar grille lit by LEDs. —Andrew J. Hawkins, The Verge, 30 May 2024

More details on prices, fuel economy and specifications should be available shortly. —Mark Phelan, Detroit Free Press, 21 May 2024

In addition, the PCI specification allows the CPU to run concurrently with bus-mastering peripherals—a necessary capability for future multimedia tasks. —IEEE Spectrum, 18 May 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1633, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

specification

noun

spec·​i·​fi·​ca·​tion ˌspes-(ə-)fə-ˈkā-shən 

1

: the act or process of specifying

2

a

: a description of work to be done or materials to be used

—usually used in plural

the architect's specifications for a new building

b

: a single specified item

Legal Definition

specification

noun

spec·​i·​fi·​ca·​tion ˌspe-sə-fə-ˈkā-shən 

: a detailed precise presentation of something or of a plan or proposal for something: as

a

: a written statement containing a description of particulars (as of charges or contract terms)

b

: a written description of an invention or discovery for which a patent is sought that embodies the manner and process of making and using the invention or discovery and concludes with a claim of that aspect for which the applicant demands credit

c

: a written description of construction work to be done forming part of the contract

—usually used in pl.