specialization

noun

spe·​cial·​i·​za·​tion ˌspe-sh(ə-)lə-ˈzā-shən 

1

: a making or becoming specialized

2

a

: structural adaptation of a body part to a particular function or of an organism for life in a particular environment

b

: a body part or an organism adapted by specialization

Examples of specialization in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

His star-making tenure at Rolling Stone in the 1970s ended before that decade did, as punk-rock’s rise made Cameron’s specialization in classic-rock less desirable for the magazine. —George Varga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 Nov. 2025

Large companies require a level of bureaucracy and specialization that is often at odds with building something new. —IEEE Spectrum, 6 Nov. 2025

Build a live, searchable directory of Lagos fashion capacity—minimum order quantities, lead times, specializations—and connect it to wholesale marketplaces and diaspora retail partners. —Essence, 6 Nov. 2025

For decades this model—built on standardization, specialization, and control—helped companies create and deliver products with unfailing efficiency. —Jana Werner, Harvard Business Review, 5 Nov. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1831, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing specialization

• sub-specialization

Rhymes for specialization

• abbreviation
• abomination
• acceleration
• accentuation
• accommodation
• accreditation
• acculturation
• accumulation
• acetylation
• adjudication
• administration
• adulteration

Kids Definition

specialization

noun

spe·​cial·​i·​za·​tion ˌspesh-(ə-)lə-ˈzā-shən 

1

: a making or becoming specialized

2

a

: a change in the structure of a body part so that it becomes suited for performing a particular function or of a whole plant or animal so that it is suited for life in a particular environment

b

: a body part or an organism changed by specialization

Medical Definition

specialization

noun

spe·​cial·​iza·​tion ˌspesh-(ə-)lə-ˈzā-shən 

variants also British specialisation

ˌspesh-ə-ˌlī- 

1

: a making or becoming specialized

specialization in pediatrics

2

a

: structural adaptation of a body part to a particular function or of an organism for life in a particular environment

b

: a body part or an organism adapted by specialization