specification

noun

spec·i·fi·ca·tion | \ ˌspe-sə-fə-ˈkā-shən

, ˌspes-fə-\

Definition of specification

1 : the act or process of specifying

2a : a detailed precise presentation of something or of a plan or proposal for something —usually used in plural

b : a statement of legal particulars (as of charges or of contract terms) also : a single item of such statement

c : a written description of an invention for which a patent is sought

Examples of specification in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Eric Stafford provides detailed car-buying advice by driving every vehicle on the market and analyzing test data and specifications. — Eric Stafford, Car and Driver, "Buyer's Guide Assistant Editor," 13 May 2019 The memo lists certain practical specifications, like square foot requirements, proximity to mass transit, and more. — Chloe Foussianes, Town & Country, "A Timeline of Amazon's "HQ2," From the First Announcement to a Failed Campus in New York City," 14 Feb. 2019 In the past few years, designers like Virgil Abloh and Mette and Rolf Hay have tweaked the FRAKTA to their own specifications. — Hadley Keller, House Beautiful, "IKEA's Iconic Shopping Bag Is Now Available in Rainbow—for a Great Cause," 21 May 2019 That’s a requirement that wasn’t in the original specifications. — Kyle Mizokami, Popular Mechanics, "Air Force Tests New “Loyal Wingman” Sidekick Drone for Combat," 7 Mar. 2019 What all this means is that the 5G specification provides goalposts for carriers to reach with their networks, and a set of standardized technologies and tools to get there. — Chaim Gartenberg, The Verge, "5G is almost here — here’s how everyone’s getting ready," 7 Sep. 2018 According to specifications provided to PCWorld, all four notebooks will share common Core i5-8265U and Core i7-8565 Whiskey Lake processors from Intel, while the Elitebook 830 G6 and EliteBook x360 830 G6 will offer a Core i3-8145U option as well. — Mark Hachman, PCWorld, "HP's EliteBook 800 G6 notebook series adds convenience, privacy features," 16 Apr. 2019 Fulton then turns around and makes prototypes; once approved, the final umbrellas are manufactured to the Queen's specifications. — Chloe Foussianes, Town & Country, "Queen Elizabeth's Umbrellas Are Custom Made to Match Her Outfits," 23 Mar. 2019 The building has been renovated to the couple's specifications, just in time for their new little arrival. — Amy Mackelden, Harper's BAZAAR, "Meghan Markle's Californian Roots Are Reportedly Influencing Her Pregnancy," 23 Mar. 2019

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

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Last Updated

12 Jun 2019

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The first known use of specification was in 1633

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More Definitions for specification

specification

noun

English Language Learners Definition of specification

: a detailed description of work to be done or materials to be used in a project : an instruction that says exactly how to do or make something

See the full definition for specification in the English Language Learners Dictionary

specification

noun

spec·i·fi·ca·tion | \ ˌspe-sə-fə-ˈkā-shən

Kids Definition of specification

1 : the act or process of mentioning exactly and clearly

2 : a single item exactly and clearly mentioned

3 : a description of work to be done or materials to be used —often used in pl. building specifications

specification

noun

spec·i·fi·ca·tion | \ ˌspe-sə-fə-ˈkā-shən

Legal Definition of specification

: a detailed precise presentation of something or of a plan or proposal for something: as

a : a written statement containing a description of particulars (as of charges or contract terms)

b : a written description of an invention or discovery for which a patent is sought that embodies the manner and process of making and using the invention or discovery and concludes with a claim of that aspect for which the applicant demands credit

c : a written description of construction work to be done forming part of the contract —usually used in pl.