spec

1 of 3

noun

1
: specification
usually used in plural
also : a single quantity (such as a dimension or a measure of performance) describing a product especially as part of a specification
2
: speculation
built the house on spec

spec

2 of 3

verb

specced or spec'd ˈspekt How to pronounce spec (audio) ; speccing

spec

3 of 3

abbreviation

Examples of spec in a Sentence

Noun parts built according to spec
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
For wired connections, Apple carries over the same USB 3 spec from last year's M2 iPad Air. PCMAG, 20 Mar. 2025 Product specs Best Bags: Stasher Starter Pack Stasher Stasher Stasher Starter Pack $100 Stasher Pros Sturdy seal Very durable Microwave-, oven-, and freezer-safe Cons More larger sizes would be helpful Tired: Disposable, single-use plastic bags. Jessica Kasparian, SELF, 20 Mar. 2025
Verb
The former offers a more supple ride from the butting along with being built to spec. Rob Reed, Forbes, 11 Mar. 2025 There are too many freelancers who just look at whether their output is to spec. Expert Panel®, Forbes, 18 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for spec

Word History

Etymology

Noun

by alteration

First Known Use

Noun

1926, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1965, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of spec was in 1926

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Spec.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/spec. Accessed 1 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

spec

noun
ˈspek
: specification sense 2a
usually used in plural

Legal Definition

spec

transitive verb
ˈspek
specced or spec'd ˈspekt How to pronounce spec (audio) ; speccing
ˈspe-kiŋ
: to write specifications for
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!