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

Speaking of windows, the company now uses half of its storefronts to display detailed product information so passersby get tech specs, and this has been carried through to hangtags on racks throughout the retail space. —Rhonda Richford, Footwear News, 20 Oct. 2025

The producers were instantly high on the script and took the spec to market, where Netflix was blown away by the package and outbid multiple buyers. —Justin Kroll, Deadline, 20 Oct. 2025

Verb

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

In the meantime, head over to our feature and spec comparison of all three new models. —PC Magazine, 11 Sep. 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