specify

1 of 2

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

specifier

2 of 2

noun

spec·​i·​fi·​er ˈspesəˌfī(ə)r 

-īə

plural -s

: one that specifies (as by giving details or particulars)

especially : a person who draws up specifications (as for obtaining a patent)

Synonyms of specify

Verb

• define
• prescribe

Examples of specify in a Sentence

Verb

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

Verb

After years of fraught negotiations between the states failed to yield a deal, federal authorities have stepped in and are expected to publish a plan in the coming days specifying the exact reductions required of states through 2028. — Laura Paddison, CNN Money, 16 Aug. 2026

Buyers can also specify a Touring Pack with bespoke luggage designed to make use of the available cargo space. — Matthew MacConnell, Forbes.com, 15 Aug. 2026

Police released the ages and genders of the victims on Saturday but did not specify whether they were related to each other or the suspect. — Jacqueline Ganun, ABC News, 15 Aug. 2026

The plan also specifies rezoning along major commercial corridors, including Winchester Boulevard and The Alameda. — Ryan MacAsero, Mercury News, 15 Aug. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Verb

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

First Known Use

Verb

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing specify

• pre-specify

Rhymes for specify

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

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