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

This openness brought him his second major award, the Nicholas Rescher Prize for Systematic Philosophy, a prize created to counter the tendencies of philosophers to narrow their specialization. — Theodore McDarrah, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026

The genomes preserve an intermediate stage in the virus’s specialization for humans. — Sam MacDonald, Scientific American, 30 July 2026

McCarthy’s specialization on the offensive side of the ball also will lead to changes. — Mike Defabo, New York Times, 28 July 2026

But Pinchuk says specialization is what makes Snap-on so profitable. — Scott Horsley, NPR, 17 July 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