specify

verb

spec·​i·​fy ˈspe-sə-ˌfī 

specified; specifying

transitive verb

1

: to name or state explicitly or in detail

2

: to include as an item in a specification

specifiable

ˌspe-sə-ˈfī-ə-bəl 

adjective

specifier

ˈspe-sə-ˌfī(-ə)r 

noun

Synonyms of specify

• define
• prescribe

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

Police subsequently said the suspect was set to appear in court for an arraignment on Friday, Dec 12, but did not specify any charges. —Charna Flam, PEOPLE, 12 Dec. 2025

Changes last year specify DAS is for guests with developmental disabilities like autism who cannot wait in long lines. —Eve Chen, USA Today, 11 Dec. 2025

The department did not specify the student's age in its news release. —Alec Johnson, jsonline.com, 11 Dec. 2025

The first step in settling a medical debt lawsuit is responding to the lawsuit within the timeframe specified in your court summons, which is typically 20 to 30 days. —Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 11 Dec. 2025

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

Phrases Containing specify

• pre-specify

Rhymes for specify

• abscissae
• alibi
• alkali
• alumni
• amoebae
• amplify
• annuli
• beautify
• brachii
• butterfly
• calculi
• certify

Kids Definition

specify

verb

spec·​i·​fy ˈspes-ə-ˌfī 

specified; specifying

1

: to name or mention exactly and clearly

specify the cause

2

: to include in a specification

specify oak flooring