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
Butlers carefully catalog guest preferences, from room temperature to the exact specifications of a coffee order—and remember them.
—
Scott Laird, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 Feb. 2026
Software-as-a-service was built to Wall Street specifications as a subscription business embedded in crucial business and consumer processes whose annual recurring revenue streams would stretch decades into the future.
—Michael Santoli, CNBC, 9 Feb. 2026
Because industrial distribution involves custom pricing, nonstandard specifications, and complex processing services, every revenue-generating operation typically requires human intervention.
—Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 9 Feb. 2026
The 8,000-square-foot property was built to the couple’s specifications with the help of architect Zach Carney.
—Tori Latham, Robb Report, 6 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for specification
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.
Scott Laird, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 Feb. 2026
Software-as-a-service was built to Wall Street specifications as a subscription business embedded in crucial business and consumer processes whose annual recurring revenue streams would stretch decades into the future.
—Michael Santoli, CNBC, 9 Feb. 2026
Because industrial distribution involves custom pricing, nonstandard specifications, and complex processing services, every revenue-generating operation typically requires human intervention.
—Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 9 Feb. 2026
The 8,000-square-foot property was built to the couple’s specifications with the help of architect Zach Carney.
—Tori Latham, Robb Report, 6 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for specification
Cite this Entry
“Specification.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/specification. Accessed 18 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationKids 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.
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
