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 Wisconsin Department of Health Services did not specify where the death happened or provide any additional details to protect the privacy of the family. — Arkansas Online, 6 Nov. 2026

The announcement did not specify Northstar’s first flight date or identify a launch vehicle for the engine. — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 6 Nov. 2026

The cleaner is specified for pools measuring up to 6 x 12 meters (approximately 20 x 39 ft), with iGarden claiming a maximum cleaning coverage of 672 sq m (7,233 sq ft) per charge. — New Atlas, 6 Nov. 2026

The will specifies that, until his children turn 21, the trustee, at his discretion, is to use their share to either pay or apply the funds for each child’s benefit and then set aside for them any unused principal. — Claudia Rosenbaum, Vulture, 6 Nov. 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