spec

1 of 3

noun

1
: specification
usually used in 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

spec

3 of 3

abbreviation

Examples of spec in a Sentence

Noun parts built according to spec
Recent Examples on the Web
Noun
Spike Lee has no shortage of attention-grabbing glasses—distinctive eyewear is a signature part of his style, after all—but the specs he’s been rocking most recently are some of the boldest in his collection. Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 13 Mar. 2024 Read Article > Ahead of its launch on March 7th, key specs for Rivian’s upcoming R2 electric SUV were briefly visible via the source code on the company’s teaser site, Electrek reports. Andrew J. Hawkins, The Verge, 7 Mar. 2024 Nobody hired me to write these scripts, and then both specs got a lot of attention. Brian Davids, The Hollywood Reporter, 7 Mar. 2024 One of the things that makes mezcal unique is that all these specs are listed on the back label, beneath the name of the mezcalero responsible. Cheri Lucas Rowlands, Longreads, 6 Mar. 2024 The community has move-in ready or nearly complete spec homes available. Prime Development, Kansas City Star, 18 Feb. 2024 In the late 1950s, the accomplished botanist and conservationist became the second owner of a spec house for an unrealized cul-de-sac development of concrete masonry residences. Jessica Ritz, Los Angeles Times, 27 Feb. 2024 While the rest of the specs are average or below, the $229 price might be enough to tempt bookworms who like to read on their phones. Julian Chokkattu Simon Hill, WIRED, 26 Feb. 2024 In the face of the sun's powerful rays, regular specs made of cheap plastic and polycarbonate material just aren't going to cut it. Eric Lagatta, USA TODAY, 24 Feb. 2024
Verb
And there's no longer an option to spec the XLT trim truck with the larger capacity battery. Jonathan M. Gitlin, Ars Technica, 3 Jan. 2024 Those seeking to maximize towing capacity should spec the V-8, which can tow 7200 pounds; V-6 models carry a 6200-pound tow rating. Drew Dorian, Car and Driver, 15 Aug. 2023 For serious clients, Gulfstream will build a single seat to spec and deliver it to their office or home for a trial run. Basem Wasef, Robb Report, 2 July 2023 Anyone with an internet connection and a dream can spec a big-dollar item online—cars, yachts, and aircraft are all fair game in the virtual world. Basem Wasef, Robb Report, 2 July 2023 Even the banquettes, which look as if they were ripped out of a diner, were built to spec before being painted and delicately slipcovered, and the central shelving system, which could have been in my grandfather’s den, was constructed from a shipping palette, among other materials. Lori Waxman, Chicago Tribune, 29 Apr. 2023 Attractive new styling, more ways to spec the hybrid powertrain, spacious cabin. Car and Driver, 22 Feb. 2023 What to Consider Safety Standards Some work boots are made to spec for different trades, but the general minimum requirement at most job sites is toe protection. Danny Perez, Popular Mechanics, 13 Apr. 2023 As if the 1s didn’t already stand out in a crowd, customers can spec their builds according to personal preference. Basem Wasef, Robb Report, 19 Mar. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'spec.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Dictionary Entries Near spec

Cite this Entry

“Spec.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/spec. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on spec

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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