specialization

noun

spe·​cial·​i·​za·​tion ˌspe-sh(ə-)lə-ˈzā-shən How to pronounce specialization (audio)
1
: a making or becoming specialized
2
a
: structural adaptation of a body part to a particular function or of an organism for life in a particular environment
b
: a body part or an organism adapted by specialization

Examples of specialization in a Sentence

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.
For developers, Bittensor’s tokenomics create a financial incentive to innovate, while its subnet architecture enables specialization. Becca Bratcher, Forbes.com, 9 Sep. 2025 Hong Kong actor Tony Leung Chiu-wai plays a visiting neuroscientist in 2020, whose specialization is the minds of babies, but who starts an unexpected experiment with the old tree. Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 4 Sep. 2025 The engineering career landscape Engineering careers can follow diverse trajectories, each offering unique growth opportunities, specialization, and impact. Srishti Gupta, Interesting Engineering, 3 Sep. 2025 According to Gartner, organizational specialization and remote work technologies will make finance staff more isolated. Sheryl Estrada, Fortune, 29 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for specialization

Word History

First Known Use

1831, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of specialization was in 1831

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Specialization.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/specialization. Accessed 14 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

specialization

noun
spe·​cial·​i·​za·​tion ˌspesh-(ə-)lə-ˈzā-shən How to pronounce specialization (audio)
1
: a making or becoming specialized
2
a
: a change in the structure of a body part so that it becomes suited for performing a particular function or of a whole plant or animal so that it is suited for life in a particular environment
b
: a body part or an organism changed by specialization

Medical Definition

specialization

noun
spe·​cial·​iza·​tion ˌspesh-(ə-)lə-ˈzā-shən How to pronounce specialization (audio)
variants also British specialisation
1
: a making or becoming specialized
specialization in pediatrics
2
a
: structural adaptation of a body part to a particular function or of an organism for life in a particular environment
b
: a body part or an organism adapted by specialization

More from Merriam-Webster on specialization

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!