specialty

play

noun, often attributive spe·cial·ty \ˈspe-shəl-tē\

Definition of specialty

plural

specialties

1 : a distinctive mark or quality
2a : a special object or class of objects: such as (1) : a legal agreement embodied in a sealed instrument (2) : a product of a special kind or of special excellence fried chicken is my specialtyb : the state of being special, distinctive, or peculiar
3 : something in which one specializes

See specialty defined for English-language learners

See specialty defined for kids

Examples of specialty in a Sentence

Buttermilk pie is a Southern specialty.
a doctor with a specialty in internal medicine

Recent Examples of specialty from the Web

Same goes for the specialty cocktails such as the Old Fashioned and Vodka Collins.

— cole kazdin, Los Angeles Magazine, "The Best Summer Happy Hours in L.A.", 6 July 2017
The market area also sells products by local specialty food vendors.

— joyce smith, kansascity.com, "InterContinental hotel makeover includes new French-inspired restaurant", 29 June 2017
The market has changed since the early 2000s, when studios began pushing these stories to specialty divisions like Focus Features and Fox Searchlight—and giving them smaller budgets.

— vanityfair.com, VanityFair.com, "Even in a Post-Moonlight World, It’s Nearly Impossible to Get a Gay Movie Made", 27 June 2017
The market has changed since the early 2000s, when studios began pushing these stories to specialty divisions like Focus Features and Fox Searchlight—and giving them smaller budgets.

— nick romano, VanityFair.com, "Even in a Post-Moonlight World, It’s Nearly Impossible to Get a Gay Movie Made", 27 June 2017
One of George's most famous specialties isn't a menu item.

— jared boyd, AL.com, "Alabama's Best Steakhouses: George's Steak Pit in Sheffield", 24 June 2017
A plain super slice will cost you $12 but their specialties — like mac and cheese and lasagna — can cost up to $32.

— danielle tullo, Cosmopolitan, "Hangry Pizza Lovers: You Need to Know About This 24-Inch Slice", 22 June 2017
Drinks: Full bar with specialty cocktails like The Landmark (Tito’s, St. Germaine, Champagne, Cranberry Juice, Lemon Juice, Simple Syrup). Trust us –

— connie ogle, miamiherald, "Miami has a bunch of new luxury movie theaters now. We tried them so you know where to go.", 16 June 2017
Deep dives into the history of dance are ACB’s specialty.

— leilah bernstein, Los Angeles Magazine, "These ‘Lost’ Ballets Are Being Performed for the First Time in L.A.", 16 June 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'specialty'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of specialty

Middle English specialte, from Anglo-French especialté, from Late Latin specialitat-, specialitas, from Latin specialis special

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First Known Use: 15th century

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SPECIALTY Defined for English Language Learners

specialty

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noun

Definition of specialty for English Language Learners

: something that a person or place is known for making or producing very well
: an area of study or business that a person specializes in or has special knowledge of

SPECIALTY Defined for Kids

specialty

play

noun spe·cial·ty \ˈspe-shəl-tē\

Definition of specialty for Students

plural

specialties

: something for which a person or place is known Pancakes are my speciality. Good service is the restaurant's specialty.

Medical Dictionary

specialty

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noun spe·cial·ty \ˈspesh-əl-tē\

Medical Definition of specialty

plural

specialties

: something (as a branch of medicine) in which one specializes

Law Dictionary

specialty

noun spe·cial·ty

Legal Definition of specialty

plural

specialties

1 [from the special form of the contract] : formal contract at contract
2 : a doctrine providing that a person extradited can be prosecuted only for the charges described in the order for extradition
3 : real property (as a parcel of land or especially a structure) that is of such specialized character that no market for it exists and for which value upon condemnation is determined by the cost of reproduction less depreciation —used especially in New York