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

Next, Less Common Metals (LCM) converted those oxides into metal and strip-cast alloy to magnet specification. —Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 20 May 2026

Any plane flying within the area that does not meet those specifications will be escorted from the region, according to the FAA. —Kerry Breen, CBS News, 20 May 2026

One of the most important among these standards was RIAA’s equalization curve, developed in 1954, which standardized the width of the grooves used in records and established specifications for the frequency response of audio recordings (known as the RIAA Curve). —Encyclopedia Britannica, 20 May 2026

The automaker on Wednesday said the Rumble Bee pickup trucks will feature V-8 engines, special parts and designs, and a range of performance specifications. —Michael Wayland, CNBC, 20 May 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.