spec

1 of 3

noun

1
: specification
usually used in plural
also : a single quantity (such as a dimension or a measure of performance) describing a product especially as part of a specification
2
: speculation
built the house on spec

spec

2 of 3

verb

specced or spec'd ˈspekt How to pronounce spec (audio) ; speccing

spec

3 of 3

abbreviation

Examples of spec in a Sentence

Noun parts built according to spec
Recent Examples on the Web
Noun
These specs resemble a mini version of adult sunglasses, with a sporty style in nearly 20 color combinations. Staff Author, Parents, 13 Apr. 2024 Young Rock supervising producers Patrick Kang and Michael Levin wrote the original spec screenplay for the film. Christy Piña, The Hollywood Reporter, 12 Apr. 2024 Aside from their travel-friendly specs (lightweight fabric, adjustable drawstring waistband, and comfortable fit), at just $35 for a set of four, these are undoubtedly one of the best new arrivals and deals of the season. Alexandra Domrongchai, Travel + Leisure, 4 Apr. 2024 But while the bigger and bolder looks are a break from the past, the full reveal of the K4’s specs telegraphs a traditional Kia small car recipe. Alex Kwanten, Forbes, 27 Mar. 2024 Though a small percentage of clients buy a car in a standard off-the-rack spec, most take advantage of the program, coming to the automaker’s headquarters in Molsheim to engage with the protocol. Brett Berk, Robb Report, 5 Apr. 2024 Polestar 3 And 4 EV buyers have been eagerly awaiting the arrival of these two Polestar SUVs, and the Sino-Swedish company brought both to its New York stand for the announcement of the 4’s pricing and specs. Alex Kwanten, Forbes, 28 Mar. 2024 Academic researchers have shared open-source methods for converting existing inkjet printers to build their own microarrays, albeit with specs that are much more modest than the commercial systems. Phillip W. Barth, IEEE Spectrum, 25 Mar. 2024 Other specs include support for LPDDR5x memory, UFS 4.0 storage, up to 24GB of RAM, triple-frequency GNSS for more accurate location, and enterprise level security. Sarah Lord, PCMAG, 21 Mar. 2024
Verb
And there's no longer an option to spec the XLT trim truck with the larger capacity battery. Jonathan M. Gitlin, Ars Technica, 3 Jan. 2024 Those seeking to maximize towing capacity should spec the V-8, which can tow 7200 pounds; V-6 models carry a 6200-pound tow rating. Drew Dorian, Car and Driver, 15 Aug. 2023 For serious clients, Gulfstream will build a single seat to spec and deliver it to their office or home for a trial run. Basem Wasef, Robb Report, 2 July 2023 Anyone with an internet connection and a dream can spec a big-dollar item online—cars, yachts, and aircraft are all fair game in the virtual world. Basem Wasef, Robb Report, 2 July 2023 Even the banquettes, which look as if they were ripped out of a diner, were built to spec before being painted and delicately slipcovered, and the central shelving system, which could have been in my grandfather’s den, was constructed from a shipping palette, among other materials. Lori Waxman, Chicago Tribune, 29 Apr. 2023 Attractive new styling, more ways to spec the hybrid powertrain, spacious cabin. Car and Driver, 22 Feb. 2023 What to Consider Safety Standards Some work boots are made to spec for different trades, but the general minimum requirement at most job sites is toe protection. Danny Perez, Popular Mechanics, 13 Apr. 2023 As if the 1s didn’t already stand out in a crowd, customers can spec their builds according to personal preference. Basem Wasef, Robb Report, 19 Mar. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'spec.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Noun

by alteration

First Known Use

Noun

1926, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1965, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of spec was in 1926

Dictionary Entries Near spec

Cite this Entry

“Spec.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/spec. Accessed 23 Apr. 2024.

Kids Definition

spec

noun
ˈspek
: specification sense 2a
usually used in plural

Legal Definition

spec

transitive verb
ˈspek
specced or spec'd ˈspekt How to pronounce spec (audio) ; speccing
ˈspe-kiŋ
: to write specifications for

More from Merriam-Webster on spec

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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