specification

noun

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

ˌspes-fə-

1

: the act or process of specifying

2

a

: 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

And that something was those specifications that came out and eventually became incorporated in the national design document. —CBS News, 28 Mar. 2024

Device makers who adhere to the specification and go through the certification process can carry the CSA’s new Product Security Verified (PSV) Mark. —Jennifer Pattison Tuohy, The Verge, 19 Mar. 2024

The Muskingum County Prosecutor’s Office shared in a news release that Deborah L. Frazier, 36, from Zanesville, pleaded guilty to murder with a firearm specification, tampering with evidence and gross abuse of a corpse in connection to the death of her boyfriend Thomas Waddell. —Kimberlee Speakman, Peoplemag, 19 Mar. 2024

The Alfa pre-series is being tested this year ahead of deliveries, using machines above specifications. —Demetrius Simms, Robb Report, 1 Mar. 2024

The industry does have quality specifications regarding the sediment content. —Lawrence Richard, Fox News, 28 Mar. 2024

Enter the era of aerodynamic drag coefficients, an important new specification that relates directly to range, which now rivals horsepower as the headline number for new cars. —Erik Shilling, Robb Report, 25 Mar. 2024

The winning plan designated plots for houseboats but had no specifications about what kinds of structures would fill them. —Kyle Chayka, The New Yorker, 25 Mar. 2024

Project Managers Project Managers plan, execute, and oversee projects from initiation to completion, ensuring they are delivered on time, within budget, and according to specifications. —Ebony Flake, Essence, 24 Mar. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1633, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

specification

noun

spec·​i·​fi·​ca·​tion ˌspes-(ə-)fə-ˈkā-shən 

1

: the act or process of specifying

2

a

: a description of work to be done or materials to be used

—usually used in plural

the architect's specifications for a new building

b

: a single specified item

Legal Definition

specification

noun

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

: 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.