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

Airtel, Axian Telecom, Ethio Telecom, MTN, Orange, and Vodacom — who together serve some 800 million Africans — are in talks with manufacturers on the device’s specifications, as part of an affordability coalition brought together by the mobile industry trade body, the GSMA. —Alexander Onukwue, semafor.com, 4 Mar. 2026

Other specifications like sensitivity and sound pressure levels also make a difference. —Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 4 Mar. 2026

World Curling, the sport’s governing body, confirmed the news in an email from head of communications and marketing Christopher Hamilton, who added that the spare stones from the set are now being used and have been brought to the same specifications as the rest of the set. —Charlotte Carroll, New York Times, 4 Mar. 2026

The specifications are on par with an iPhone 16 Pro released in 2024. —Bloomberg News, Boston Herald, 4 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1633, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for specification

• abbreviation
• abomination
• acceleration
• accentuation
• accommodation
• accreditation
• acculturation
• accumulation
• acetylation
• adjudication
• administration
• adulteration

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.