special

play

adjective spe·cial \ˈspe-shəl\

Definition of special

1 : distinguished by some unusual quality; especially : being in some way superior our special blend
2 : held in particular esteem a special friend
3a : readily distinguishable from others of the same category : unique they set it apart as a special day of thanksgivingb : of, relating to, or constituting a species : specific
4 : being other than the usual : additional, extra
5 : designed for a particular purpose or occasion

specialness

noun

See special defined for English-language learners

See special defined for kids

Examples of special in a Sentence

This is a special case and I want you to handle it personally.
Only under special circumstances will you be allowed to retake the test.
Your many years of service put you in a special category.
Why should you receive any special treatment?
It takes a special quality to do what he did.
This is a very special occasion.
Are you doing anything special over the holidays?
We have a special guest tonight—the mayor.
No one is more special to me than my wife.
He always made her feel special.

Recent Examples of special from the Web

This special report will seek to unravel the causes of this irrational enmity, and to explore the contrasting internal dynamics in both countries that sustain it.

— The Economist, "Hissing cousinsWhy India and Pakistan hate each other," 22 July 2017
Featuring live music, the opportunity to be tattooed using vintage acetate stencils, special guests including Shanghai Kate, and a unique setting on the Delaware River.

— Philly.com, "Kidchella, The Who, Daily News Singles, and other things to do in Philly, July 21-27," 21 July 2017
New York regulators recently requested information related to three loans the wealth management unit provided to Trump, paying special attention to personal guarantees, according to the newspaper.

— cindy roberts, Bloomberg.com, "Deutsche Bank Expects Subpoenas Over Russia Probe, Guardian Says," 20 July 2017
The two businesses have teamed up to create a special dessert, which will be available next Saturday, July 29, at the Mr. Holmes Bakehouse Larchmont location (248 N. Larchmont Blvd).

— lisa beebe, Los Angeles Magazine, "The Cruffin Cone Is Here to Remind Us the World Is Good and Worth Fighting For," 20 July 2017
Comey reportedly took contemporaneous notes of that encounter that are now in the special counsel’s possession.

— adam serwer, The Atlantic, "Trump Criticizes Sessions Over Russia Recusal," 19 July 2017
The first deadline to file for special election candidates is Aug. 3 for the period covering July 1 through July 26.

— howard koplowitz, AL.com, "Luther Strange raises $1.8 million for Senate race in 3 months," 19 July 2017
Mad Science conducts after-school programs, special events, birthday parties, and workshops throughout the year in San Diego County and internationally.

— diego dela rosa, sandiegouniontribune.com, "Mad Science brings outer space to San Diego," 19 July 2017
A late-summer bike ride to benefit Special Olympics returns to Orland Park on Aug. 27.

— erin gallagher, Daily Southtown, "Top cop: Slow, leisurely ride through Orland an 'annual favorite'," 19 July 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'special.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of special

Middle English, from Anglo-French or Latin; Anglo-French especial, from Latin specialis individual, particular, from species species

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 14th century

See Words from the same year

Synonym Discussion of special

special, especial, specific, particular, individual mean of or relating to one thing or class. special stresses having a quality, character, identity, or use of its own. special ingredients especial may add implications of preeminence or preference. a matter of especial importance specific implies a quality or character distinguishing a kind or a species. children with specific nutritional needs particular stresses the distinctness of something as an individual. a ballet step of particular difficulty individual implies unequivocal reference to one of a class or group. valued each individual opinion

special

noun spe·cial

Definition of special

1 : one that is used for a special service or occasion caught the commuter special to work
2 : something (such as a television program) that is not part of a regular series
3 : a featured dish at a restaurant the specials of the day

See special defined for English-language learners

Examples of special in a Sentence

a one-hour special on whales
Today's lunch special is chili.
The specials are on the board.
They were having a special on paper towels so I stocked up.

Recent Examples of special from the Web

Avocado, maple bacon, cakefetti, lavender and other unexpected varieties are made daily with specials regularly being scooped out for guests.

— lauren delgado, Orlando Signature, "Ice Cream Shops Serving Unexpected Icy Treats," 23 June 2017
Netflix is now basically offering an entire new season of a television series every week, on top of its original films and slew of comedy specials.

— david sims, The Atlantic, "Apple Is a Step Closer to Making Its Own TV Shows," 21 June 2017
Special Father’s Day Brunch starting at 11:30 a.m.; entrée specials will also be available for dinner beginning at 5 p.m. Reservations are recommended.

— taylor m. riley, The Courier-Journal, "Bring your dad to these fun Sunday events in Louisville," 17 June 2017
A $5 ticket gets you beer specials at each stop, as well as access to a VIP happy hour at Mohawk Bend.

— lisa beebe, Los Angeles Magazine, "Everything You Need to Know About L.A. Beer Week," 16 June 2017
A 3 p.m. pre-event party at Darlington House (1610 20th St. NW) features drink specials and optional bus transportation to the field.

— carrie donovan, Washington Post, "Going Out Guide for Montgomery County, June 8-14, 2017," 7 June 2017
After drooling over the cars, head inside for food specials such as $12 fried of BBQ chicken plates and $4 chicken biscuits.

— erica boniface, The Know, "10 cool places to take dad in Colorado this Father’s Day," 7 June 2017
The monthly late-night special at Bodensee Therme appeals to locals as well as bargain-hunting, bike-riding tourists.

— christine negroni, The Seattle Times, "Biking and baring it all on a tour around Europe’s Lake Constance," 2 June 2017
In the meantime, the menu has been slowly changing, with Grittner adding more specials and new pizzas made from fresh dough and just generally doing more scratch cooking.

— jess fleming, Twin Cities, "Trotter’s Cafe sold, will become Tillie’s Farmhouse this summer," 18 May 2017

First Known Use of special

1822

Other Broadcasting Terms

continuity, dissolve, fade, feed, remote, residual, spike, wipe

SPECIAL Defined for English Language Learners

special

play

adjective

Definition of special for English Language Learners

: different from what is normal or usual; especially : unusual in a good way : better or more important than others
: especially important or loved
: more than is usual

special

noun

Definition of special for English Language Learners

: a television or radio program that is not part of a regular series
: a meal that is not on a restaurant's usual menu

SPECIAL Defined for Kids

special

play

adjective spe·cial \ˈspe-shəl\

Definition of special for Students

1 : unusual and better in some way : extraordinary a special occasion To an outsider, it wouldn't sound all that special. But to the ears of a Pickwell kid, it was magic. — Jerry Spinelli, Maniac Magee
2 : liked very well a special friend
3 : different from others : unique a special case
4 : ¹extra a special edition
5 : meant for a particular purpose or occasion a special diet

specially

adverb

Law Dictionary

special

adjective spe·cial

Legal Definition of special

1 : distinguished by some unusual quality
2 : relating to a single thing or class of things : having an individual character or trait owed them a special duty not owed to the public at large
3a : supplemental to the regular b : assigned or provided to meet a need not covered under established procedures
4 : designed or selected for a particular purpose, occasion, or other end family courts are courts of limited and special jurisdiction — Cleveland v. Cleveland, 559 P.2d 744 (1977)
5 : containing particulars and details a special pleading