specify

verb

spec·​i·​fy ˈspe-sə-ˌfī How to pronounce specify (audio)
specified; specifying

transitive verb

1
: to name or state explicitly or in detail
2
: to include as an item in a specification
specifiable adjective
specifier noun

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
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.
Unless specified, exact release dates are yet to be revealed. Lily Ford, The Hollywood Reporter, 27 Dec. 2024 Target did not specify when the stores would be opening when asked by USA TODAY. Ahjané Forbes, USA TODAY, 27 Dec. 2024 Indeed, Biden himself specified the U.S. vision of an endgame for the other ongoing conflict of major geopolitical significance, the war in Gaza. Samuel Charap, Foreign Affairs, 24 Dec. 2024 Officials didn’t specify the person’s gender or other identifying information to respect the patient’s privacy, but said the person is being treated with antivirals and is at home recovering with mild symptoms. Susanne Rust, Los Angeles Times, 24 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for specify 

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of specify was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near specify

Cite this Entry

“Specify.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/specify. Accessed 30 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

specify

verb
spec·​i·​fy ˈspes-ə-ˌfī How to pronounce specify (audio)
specified; specifying
1
: to name or mention exactly and clearly
specify the cause
2
: to include in a specification
specify oak flooring

More from Merriam-Webster on specify

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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