specialization

noun

spe·​cial·​i·​za·​tion ˌspe-sh(ə-)lə-ˈzā-shən How to pronounce specialization (audio)
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
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What The Mole’s Hunting Apparatus Teaches Us As Catania summarized in a 2011 review in Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B, the star-nosed mole has become one of neuroscience’s most instructive model systems precisely because its specialization is so extreme. Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 20 May 2026 An overhaul of Vancouver’s amateur scouting apparatus, and bringing in an experienced executive with a non-hockey profile — R&D specialization and cap knowledge — would be a tap-in from a public relations standpoint for Johnson. Thomas Drance, New York Times, 13 May 2026 Others stay in direct patient care and develop deeper specialization. Felysha Walker may 8, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 8 May 2026 In addition, subclasses of biomolecules have even more specializations in their structures and functions. Julie Pollock, The Conversation, 1 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for specialization

Word History

First Known Use

1831, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of specialization was in 1831

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Specialization.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/specialization. Accessed 25 May. 2026.

Kids Definition

specialization

noun
spe·​cial·​i·​za·​tion ˌspesh-(ə-)lə-ˈzā-shən How to pronounce specialization (audio)
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 How to pronounce specialization (audio)
variants also British specialisation
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

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