chiefly British, informal
: glasses, spectacles
Every day, I'm asked to support a charitable cause—to … donate a pair of specs or a frock.Janet Street-Porter
… put on her specs to read a few remarks off a card.Garrison Keillor

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web Many syn-bio startups need the domain knowledge that incumbents possess to meet product specs, address regulatory issues, and establish supply chains. Maxime Courtaux, Fortune, 3 Feb. 2023 As far as specs, the Superfeet GREEN insoles impress with their high-density foam, tall heel cup, and high-profile arch support. Sarah Bradley, Verywell Health, 3 Feb. 2023 There are a lot of cookie-cutter mice that, though made by different manufacturers, have the same shapes and features but rely on mild changes in color or sensor specs to differentiate themselves. Scharon Harding, Ars Technica, 2 Feb. 2023 From its detachable three-piece hood that packs into its own collar to its bungee-cord cinch waist, this North Face puffer jacket with a cult following features some pretty impressive specs. Marissa Miller, Travel + Leisure, 27 Jan. 2023 Most are tiny dust-size specs, and almost none make it to Earth's surface. Jessica Skropanic, USA TODAY, 27 Jan. 2023 The artist expressed these ideas as specs for installations in terms both particular and vague. Vulture, 26 Jan. 2023 Warby Parker is all about colorful specs this Spring. People Staff, Peoplemag, 23 Jan. 2023 These are surprisingly demanding system requirements; 16GB of RAM is a fairly high total for base specs, considering that the game only displays at 720p/30fps. PCMAG, 18 Jan. 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'specs.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

contraction of spectacles

First Known Use

1807, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of specs was in 1807

Dictionary Entries Near specs

Cite this Entry

“Specs.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/specs. Accessed 3 Jun. 2023.

Kids Definition

specs

noun plural

Legal Definition

specs

noun plural

More from Merriam-Webster on specs

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