specialization

noun

spe·​cial·​i·​za·​tion ˌspe-sh(ə-)lə-ˈzā-shən How to pronounce specialization (audio)
1
: a making or becoming specialized
2
a
: structural adaptation of a body part to a particular function or of an organism for life in a particular environment
b
: a body part or an organism adapted by specialization

Examples of specialization in a Sentence

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.
Private equity is driven by operational value creation, entry pricing, and specialization. Kristin Olson, Fortune, 19 Dec. 2025 But there is value in resisting pure optimization, aggregation, and specialization. Jay Caspian Kang, New Yorker, 9 Dec. 2025 How far down does this biological specialization go? Quanta Magazine, 5 Dec. 2025 With a background in engineering and early specialization in energy modeling and commissioning, Matthew brings rigor to the numbers and an innate understanding of high-performance building requirements. Daniel Fusch, USA Today, 4 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for specialization

Word History

First Known Use

1831, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of specialization was in 1831

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Specialization.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/specialization. Accessed 31 Dec. 2025.

Kids Definition

specialization

noun
spe·​cial·​i·​za·​tion ˌspesh-(ə-)lə-ˈzā-shən How to pronounce specialization (audio)
1
: a making or becoming specialized
2
a
: a change in the structure of a body part so that it becomes suited for performing a particular function or of a whole plant or animal so that it is suited for life in a particular environment
b
: a body part or an organism changed by specialization

Medical Definition

specialization

noun
spe·​cial·​iza·​tion ˌspesh-(ə-)lə-ˈzā-shən How to pronounce specialization (audio)
variants also British specialisation
1
: a making or becoming specialized
specialization in pediatrics
2
a
: structural adaptation of a body part to a particular function or of an organism for life in a particular environment
b
: a body part or an organism adapted by specialization

More from Merriam-Webster on specialization

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