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

• 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

Cannon-Brookes wouldn’t specify whether Atlassian considered buying Google’s browser. —Jordan Novet, CNBC, 4 Sep. 2025

Eufy didn’t specify if the Marwalker will eventually be compatible with other robot vacuums. —PC Magazine, 4 Sep. 2025

Fernandez did not specify which roles were under review, and Unilever declined to comment on his address at the Barclays conference. —Samantha Conti, Footwear News, 4 Sep. 2025

Most manufacturers specify a temperature window of 50°F–90°F for stain application. —Kamron Sanders, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Sep. 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