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

Additionally, because archerfish have no evolutionary reason to recognize human faces in nature, this finding also suggests that the ability likely stems from learning capacity, rather than innate specialization. —Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 17 Jan. 2026

Overbearing parental expectations, pressure, burnout and specialization at an early age are hallmarks of an extreme youth-sports culture that values a future career in pro sports as its pinnacle. —Andrew Greif, NBC news, 17 Jan. 2026

In an era of complexity, specialization, and rapid change, the most effective leaders are those who exhibit the same attributes as exemplary followers. —Harvard Business Review, 14 Jan. 2026

Such specialization used to be rare, but health experts say that’s no longer true. —Andre Mouchard, Oc Register, 9 Jan. 2026

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