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

The announcement did not specify when testing would begin or disclose results from previous development work. — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 24 Oct. 2026

The company did not name a successor or specify a retirement date. — Fortune Editors, Fortune, 23 Oct. 2026

Gonzalez declined to specify the exact injury that prematurely ended his preseason competition with Patterson. — Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 23 Oct. 2026

But the state’s announcement does not specify how much additional revenue the increase will generate, which waterways will receive additional funding or how officials will measure the program’s success. — Daniel Hunt, Sacbee.com, 23 Oct. 2026

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
• 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