specify

verb

spec·​i·​fy ˈspe-sə-ˌfī How to pronounce specify (audio)
specified; specifying

transitive verb

1
: to name or state explicitly or in detail
2
: to include as an item in a specification
specifiable adjective
specifier noun

Examples of specify in a Sentence

Can you specify the cause of the argument? Specify the color and quantity when you order. He clearly specified California wine. The instructions do not specify what kind of screws to use. All subscriptions are for one year unless otherwise specified. At the specified time, we rang the bell. She agreed to the terms specified in the contract.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Sadayuki had specified as such in his will. Ingrid Vasquez, PEOPLE, 1 Oct. 2025 Burr said the restrictions on what comedians could say had been softened by the festival after some back and forth (Burr didn’t specify with whom). James Hibberd, HollywoodReporter, 30 Sep. 2025 The president did not specify when or how the tariff could be enacted. Alexandra Banner, CNN Money, 30 Sep. 2025 Starbucks has not specified which locations will be closing, but nearly a dozen Colorado locations have been identified by several media news outlets, social media posts and a coffee enthusiast. Jessica Alvarado Gamez, Denver Post, 30 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for specify

Word History

Etymology

Middle English specifien, from Anglo-French specifier, from Late Latin specificare, from specificus

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of specify was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Specify.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/specify. Accessed 4 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

specify

verb
spec·​i·​fy ˈspes-ə-ˌfī How to pronounce specify (audio)
specified; specifying
1
: to name or mention exactly and clearly
specify the cause
2
: to include in a specification
specify oak flooring

More from Merriam-Webster on specify

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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