specialized

adjective

spe·​cial·​ized ˈspe-shə-ˌlīzd How to pronounce specialized (audio)
1
: characterized by or exhibiting biological specialization
especially : highly differentiated especially in a particular direction or for a particular end
2
: designed, trained, or fitted for one particular purpose or occupation
specialized personnel

Example Sentences

specialized regions of the brain specialized gear for deep-sea fishing
Recent Examples on the Web Beef that has been certified as Japanese Wagyu is from cows genetically linked to one of four specialized breeds, have been raised in Japan, and meet specific rules for care and feeding. Ben Crandell, Sun Sentinel, 29 Mar. 2023 Insurance companies do sell specialized policies for natural disasters, but these policies are quite expensive. Jenny Schuetz, Fortune, 29 Mar. 2023 The pop-up event was a collaboration with Hat Club, a retail brand that creates limited, specialized colorways of hats, typically from pro sports franchises. Bryan C. Parker, Chron, 29 Mar. 2023 The company showed overall data from 10 manufacturers, from mainstream biz-jet makers such as Bombardier, Gulfstream, Embraer, Textron, and Dassault to smaller more specialized firms such as Cirrus, Pilatus, and Honda Aircraft Company. Michael Verdon, Robb Report, 28 Mar. 2023 Reels have become more specialized, where appropriate, and a better fit for each individual angler’s needs. Pete Robbins, Field & Stream, 20 Mar. 2023 This delaying factor does not apply to people whose skills are highly specialized in one sector, but applies to many people. Bill Conerly, Forbes, 17 Mar. 2023 It’s followed by psychiatric technician, a role that has similar but more specialized responsibilities. Andrew Van Dam, Washington Post, 17 Mar. 2023 For example, Cook and Williams may wish to release a more specialized headset this year in order to drum up creator and developer interest and to get a head start on both development resources before a more mass-market product becomes available down the line. Samuel Axon, Ars Technica, 13 Mar. 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'specialized.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1852, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of specialized was in 1852

Dictionary Entries Near specialized

Cite this Entry

“Specialized.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/specialized. Accessed 1 Apr. 2023.

Kids Definition

specialized

adjective
1
: characterized by or exhibiting biological specialization
2
: designed, trained, or fitted for one particular purpose or occupation

More from Merriam-Webster on specialized

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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