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

Spotify’s blog post didn’t specify whether the development would be opt-in or opt-out to determine training permissions. —Ethan Millman, HollywoodReporter, 16 Oct. 2025

The law did not specify whether the hanging should be public or private. —Literary Hub, 16 Oct. 2025

This winter forecast does not specify how much precipitation will fall as rain, snow or ice, only that more or less is likely overall. —Doyle Rice, USA Today, 16 Oct. 2025

As Brooklyn Vegan points out, Heavenly’s 2026 tour is in support of their upcoming reunion album, the details of which have not yet been specified beyond a February release. —Nina Corcoran, Pitchfork, 15 Oct. 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