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

Since 2024, model specifications do not block the chatbot from engaging in conversations glorifying violence. —Robert Pearlman, ArsTechnica, 29 Apr. 2026

The Tour welcomed back five-time major champion Brooks Koepka to begin 2026, albeit with strict specifications, while Patrick Reed is set to return to the Tour in an official capacity this fall. —Mark Harris Outkick, FOXNews.com, 29 Apr. 2026

The teams have not disclosed any technical specifications regarding their work, presumably due to its sensitive military nature. —Chris Young, Interesting Engineering, 25 Apr. 2026

As director of design, Cameron will oversee the nonprofit foundation’s Donald Judd Furniture LLC, a company established to fabricate Donald Judd’s furniture designs to his original specifications. —Maximilíano Durón, ARTnews.com, 24 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1633, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for specification

• abbreviation
• abomination
• acceleration
• accentuation
• accommodation
• accreditation
• acculturation
• accumulation
• acetylation
• adjudication
• administration
• adulteration

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.