specification

noun

spec·​i·​fi·​ca·​tion ˌspe-sə-fə-ˈkā-shən 

ˌspes-fə-

1

: the act or process of specifying

2

a

: a detailed precise presentation of something or of a plan or proposal for something

—usually used in plural

b

: a statement of legal particulars (as of charges or of contract terms)

also : a single item of such statement

c

: a written description of an invention for which a patent is sought

Examples of specification in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The best part about the recipe is probably the fact that most of the ingredients are measured in 2/3 cups, a specification that is about as old-school as margarine. —Catherine Jessee, Southern Living, 16 Feb. 2025

Various connectors, specifications, charging rates, and data transfer speeds make for a confusing, messy scene. —Simon Hill, WIRED, 16 Feb. 2025

Review Auction Details – Each listing includes specifications, photos and bidding instructions. —Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 14 Feb. 2025

Congress, which dictates currency specifications like the size and metal content of coins, could make Trump’s order permanent through law. —Alan Suderman, Chicago Tribune, 10 Feb. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1633, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

specification

noun

spec·​i·​fi·​ca·​tion ˌspes-(ə-)fə-ˈkā-shən 

1

: the act or process of specifying

2

a

: a description of work to be done or materials to be used

—usually used in plural

the architect's specifications for a new building

b

: a single specified item

Legal Definition

specification

noun

spec·​i·​fi·​ca·​tion ˌspe-sə-fə-ˈkā-shən 

: a detailed precise presentation of something or of a plan or proposal for something: as

a

: a written statement containing a description of particulars (as of charges or contract terms)

b

: a written description of an invention or discovery for which a patent is sought that embodies the manner and process of making and using the invention or discovery and concludes with a claim of that aspect for which the applicant demands credit

c

: a written description of construction work to be done forming part of the contract

—usually used in pl.