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.
Trump did not specify why certain federal workers would not qualify to receive back pay owed to them. Joey Garrison, USA Today, 9 Oct. 2025 The Russian vessels are expected to make several port calls in foreign countries, which the Pacific Fleet did not specify, and conduct other exercises during the deployment. Ryan Chan, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Oct. 2025 The stars will be performing or presenting to honor this year’s inductees, though the Rock Hall didn’t specify who was performing nor who each star will be honoring. Ethan Millman, HollywoodReporter, 8 Oct. 2025 The social media post didn't specify which trim was added to the Tennessee Highway Patrol's fleet, but every Mustang can produce enough giddyup to satisfy the needs of troopers. Charles Singh, Nashville Tennessean, 7 Oct. 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 14 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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