specialize

verb

spe·​cial·​ize ˈspe-shə-ˌlīz 

specialized; specializing

1

intransitive

a

: to concentrate one's efforts in a special activity, field, or practice

a doctor who specializes in pediatrics

an attorney who specializes in estate planning

Everywhere, the pressure is on young people to specialize.

—Donald Kaul

b

: to have a characteristic, habitual way of behaving, speaking, etc.

… the halftime commentator on ESPN 2, who specialized in inanities throughout the tournament …

—Jonathan Wilson

… a computer industry that seems to specialize in simultaneous hype and obfuscation …

—Walter S. Mossberg

The anti-environmental presidency was orchestrated by administration insiders who have specialized in being out of touch …

—Gregg Easterbrook

2

intransitive biology : to undergo specialization (see specialization sense 2) or differentiation

As cells begin to specialize into adult tissues, methylation seems to inactivate genes that are no longer needed.

—John Travis

especially : to change adaptively

… diversity comes about because each different fish has to specialize, to find its own niche where it can do better than its competitors.

—Kenneth E. F. Watt

3

transitive : to apply or direct (something or someone) to a specific end, use, or specialty

specialized their study

… media are evolving so quickly that education of the future will probably be forced to specialize students in one or another media-type, no longer producing a single "literate" man.

—Henry G. Burger

Even some small police departments have seen fit to specialize their investigative units …

—Daniel S. McDevitt

4

transitive dated : to make particular mention of (something) : specify, particularize

… Edward dares not specialize what alone he dreads.

—Edward Bulwer-Lytton

Examples of specialize in a Sentence

Some carpenters do a wide range of jobs, while others specialize.

Recent Examples on the Web

Why Trust Us is a freelance writer for PEOPLE who specializes in thorough, honest product reviews. —Olivia Avitt, Peoplemag, 12 Apr. 2024

In the senate meeting, Dr. Hanley, who specializes in the Middle East, said that the new name would obfuscate the requirement’s very intent. —Stephanie Saul, New York Times, 12 Apr. 2024

This could mean opportunities for those looking to specialize in these fields. —Garry Murdock, Variety, 11 Apr. 2024

Advertisement Mobile is a lightly-armed ship that specializes in keeping sea lanes open. —Gary Robbins, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 Apr. 2024

Les Trois specializes in aperitifs, small pours of fortified Berryessa Gap Vineyards wine infused with botanicals and local produce. —Benjy Egel, Sacramento Bee, 11 Apr. 2024

This breakfast and lunch café specializes in freshly baked bread and pastries, and making everything from scratch from fresh local ingredients. —Debby Rice, The Mercury News, 11 Apr. 2024

This harmonious unit specializes in online and in-line analyzers, resonating with the needs of sectors such as oil, gas, chemistry, and the complex world of food processing. —Jon Stojan, USA TODAY, 8 Apr. 2024

The unit specializes in recruiting Russian fighters and running agents on Russian territory to carry out sabotage missions. —José Bautista, New York Times, 31 Mar. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1616, in the meaning defined at sense 4

Phrases Containing specialize

• sub-specialize

Kids Definition

specialize

verb

spe·​cial·​ize ˈspesh-ə-ˌlīz 

specialized; specializing

1

: to limit one's attention or energy to one business, subject, or study

2

: to undergo specialization

Medical Definition

specialize

intransitive verb

spe·​cial·​ize

variants also British specialise

ˈspesh-ə-ˌlīz 

specialized also British specialised; specializing also British specialising

1

: to concentrate one's efforts in a special activity or field : become or be a specialist

specialize in anesthesiology

2

: to undergo evolutionary specialization