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 Additionally, the level of expertise, specialization in high-demand areas, geographic location, and the size of their organization can significantly influence tax preparer and CPA salaries. Bryce Welker, Miami Herald, 7 Mar. 2024 Yet with the increasing specialization, differentiation, and strategic nature of GenAI applications, the development methodologies and technological infrastructure are expected to evolve accordingly. Stoyan Mitov, Forbes, 1 Mar. 2024 Immigration policy became his specialization during his tenure in Congress, and McConnell last year selected him to represent the GOP in negotiations as the top-ranking Republican on the Homeland Security panel’s Government Operations and Border Management Subcommittee. USA TODAY, 8 Feb. 2024 Over the past decade or so, there has been an enormous emphasis on specialization. Karla L. Miller, Washington Post, 21 Sep. 2023 Evaluate Job Market Trends: Look into the demand for professionals in each specialization area. Bryce Welker, Miami Herald, 24 Feb. 2024 This specialization massively enhances the model’s efficiency. Adrian Bridgwater, Forbes, 19 Feb. 2024 The idea to add a nursing program was sparked by the success of a health sciences major introduced in 2020, which includes a nursing specialization, Lilly said. Thomas Goodwin Smith, Baltimore Sun, 27 Jan. 2024 This could mean that bone formation is a specialization from a small population of the neural crest. John Timmer, Ars Technica, 18 July 2023

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

Word History

First Known Use

1831, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of specialization was in 1831

Dictionary Entries Near specialization

Cite this Entry

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

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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