spec

1 of 3

noun

ˈspek 

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  ; speccing

transitive verb

: to write specifications for

spec

3 of 3

abbreviation

1

special; specialist

2

specifically

Examples of spec in a Sentence

Noun

parts built according to spec

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

The PulsePodz line for men and women is essentially pre-made to certain specs, and is different from a separate line of footwear that are custom-made from an individual’s special 3D scan of their feet that allows for shoes made to the differences specific to each foot. —Vicki M. Young, Footwear News, 15 Jan. 2026

The other two attendees include a 48-foot Dolceriva with a future-forward open design and a Wallytender48 with outstanding performance specs, like a potential max speed of 54 knots. —Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 15 Jan. 2026

Verb

Instead of hitching up one of its trailers to the MAN tractor cab, Expandable drops its 30-foot Pod directly on the chassis, creating a capable motorhome that specs well above average. —New Atlas, 17 Dec. 2025

Ansari had previously asked him to spec a watch for another feature—a request that gradually drew him into Hollywood consulting. —Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 17 Oct. 2025

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

Phrases Containing spec

• on spec

Rhymes for spec

• beck
• breck
• check
• cheque
• czech
• deck
• fleck
• keck
• mech
• neck
• peck
• reck

Kids Definition

spec

noun

ˈspek

: specification sense 2a

—usually used in plural

Legal Definition

spec

transitive verb

ˈspek

specced or spec'd ˈspekt  ; speccing

ˈspe-kiŋ

: to write specifications for