spec

1 of 3

noun

ˈspek How to pronounce spec (audio)
1
: specification
—usually plural
also : a single quantity (such as a dimension or a measure of performance) describing a product especially as part of a specification
2
: speculation
built the house on spec

spec

2 of 3

verb

specced or spec'd ˈspekt How to pronounce spec (audio) ; speccing

transitive verb

: to write specifications for

spec

3 of 3

abbreviation

1
special; specialist
2
specifically

Examples of spec in a Sentence

Noun parts built according to spec
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.
Noun
Kia's Sportage is a close cousin to the Tucson and has near-identical performance specs to its South Korean relative. — Charles Singh, USA Today, 3 Sep. 2026 While no official performance specs have been shared yet, reports have speculated that this super-SUV variant of the RX could have a 600-horsepower hybrid powertrain. — Andrew P. Collins, The Drive, 3 Sep. 2026
Verb
Prices start at $25,950 for the base version, and options are all available individually so buyers can precisely custom-spec their builds. — New Atlas, 18 Aug. 2026 The Laptop 13 Pro’s new display is the first one Framework has been able to spec out from scratch rather than using panels originally designed for some other company’s laptop. — ArsTechnica, 21 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for spec

Word History

Etymology

Noun

by alteration

First Known Use

Noun

1926, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1965, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of spec was in 1926

Phrases Containing spec

Rhymes for spec

See All Rhymes for spec

Browse Nearby Words

speat
spec
speci-
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Spec.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/spec. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

spec

noun
ˈspek
: specification sense 2a
—usually used in plural

Legal Definition

spec

transitive verb
ˈspek
specced or spec'd ˈspekt How to pronounce spec (audio) ; speccing
ˈspe-kiŋ
: to write specifications for
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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