specialty

noun

spe·​cial·​ty ˈspe-shəl-tē How to pronounce specialty (audio)
plural specialties
often attributive
1
: a distinctive mark or quality
2
a
: a special object or class of objects: such as
(1)
: a legal agreement embodied in a sealed instrument
(2)
: a product of a special kind or of special excellence
fried chicken is my specialty
b
: the state of being special, distinctive, or peculiar
3
: something in which one specializes

Examples of specialty in a Sentence

Buttermilk pie is a Southern specialty. a doctor with a specialty in dermatology
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.
In coming months, the hospital’s electronic medical records will be integrated into the Duke Health system, providing patients more access to Duke specialty care, officials said. Joe Marusak, Charlotte Observer, 1 Apr. 2025 The new Altiplano combines those specialties in a single spectacular piece. Justin Fenner, Robb Report, 1 Apr. 2025 Recruits who want to serve in an infantry or armor job must pass a specific physical assessment that has higher, more significant demands, in order to sign a contract for that specialty. Lolita C. Baldor, Los Angeles Times, 31 Mar. 2025 For example, the health plans reported dentists, optometrists and audiologists receiving payments for knee replacements, gastrointestinal exams and other procedures unrelated to their specialties. Daniel Chang, NPR, 31 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for specialty

Word History

Etymology

Middle English specialte, from Anglo-French especialté, from Late Latin specialitat-, specialitas, from Latin specialis special

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of specialty was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Specialty.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/specialty. Accessed 4 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

specialty

noun
spe·​cial·​ty ˈspesh-əl-tē How to pronounce specialty (audio)
plural specialties
1
: a product of a special kind or of special excellence
eggs were the cook's specialty
2
: something a person specializes in or has special knowledge of

Medical Definition

specialty

noun
spe·​cial·​ty ˈspesh-əl-tē How to pronounce specialty (audio)
plural specialties
: something (as a branch of medicine) in which one specializes

Legal Definition

specialty

noun
spe·​cial·​ty
plural specialties
1
[from the special form of the contract] : formal contract at contract
2
: a doctrine providing that a person extradited can be prosecuted only for the charges described in the order for extradition
3
: real property (as a parcel of land or especially a structure) that is of such specialized character that no market for it exists and for which value upon condemnation is determined by the cost of reproduction less depreciation
used especially in New York

More from Merriam-Webster on specialty

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