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 However, because eating patterns in most of these countries became more globalized during the 20th century, scientists later specified that the regions that best exemplify the traditional Atlantic diet to this day are Portugal and the Galicia region of Spain. Christian Mysliwiec, Fox News, 5 Mar. 2024 In the new indictment’s listing of the charges, two minor victims are specified, but doesn’t list how McCaughan knew them. David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 3 Mar. 2024 Two days before his birthday last week, Norwegian news agency NTB reported that the king was undertaking a private trip abroad together with his wife Queen Sonja, without specifying the destination or dates. Jari Tanner, Quartz, 2 Mar. 2024 The union and the company did not specify the type of job security workers would receive, though. Lauren Kaori Gurley, Washington Post, 29 Feb. 2024 Hinch advises direct conversations and encourages employers to set policies specifying that employees must be reachable within 15 minutes during specific work hours. Zenger News, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2024 Some conservative states have passed laws specifying that life begins at conception, and the Alabama court leaned heavily on Christian faith and the Bible to make its case. Trevor Hughes, USA TODAY, 28 Feb. 2024 Macy's has yet to specify which stores will close, saying only that 50 will shutter this year and the rest by the end of 2026. Alina Selyukh, NPR, 27 Feb. 2024 The Arizona impact, if any, wasn’t specified in a Feb. 27 announcement. The Arizona Republic, 27 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'specify.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Dictionary Entries Near specify

Cite this Entry

“Specify.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/specify. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

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

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