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

Elsewhere in Kentucky, GE Aerospace will spend: $4 million at its Madisonville facility for additional precision tools and multiple new machines used to shape metal parts to precise specifications for the production of components that go into military fighter jet and helicopter engines. —Alexander Coolidge, The Enquirer, 2 July 2025

Were all specifications on the part drawings that were required addressed in the FAI? —Prashant Kondle, Forbes.com, 30 June 2025

Other players the Kings could move depending on trade targets and salary matching specifications include Zach LaVine ($47.5 million), Malik Monk ($18.8 million), Murray ($11.1 million), Jonas Valanciunas ($10.4 million), Devin Carter ($4.9 million) and Keon Ellis ($2.3 million). —Jason Anderson, Sacbee.com, 25 June 2025

Schoof used the meeting to announce a new package of Dutch support to Kyiv including 100 radar systems to detect drones and a move to produce drones for Ukraine in the Netherlands, using Kyiv’s specifications. —Molly Quell, Chicago Tribune, 24 June 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1633, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for specification

• abbreviation
• abomination
• acceleration
• accentuation
• accommodation
• accreditation
• acculturation
• accumulation
• acetylation
• adjudication
• administration
• adulteration

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.