specialize

verb

spe·​cial·​ize ˈspe-shə-ˌlīz How to pronounce specialize (audio)
specialized; specializing
1
intransitive
a
: to concentrate one's efforts in a special activity, field, or practice
a doctor who specializes in pediatrics
an attorney who specializes in estate planning
Everywhere, the pressure is on young people to specialize.Donald Kaul
b
: to have a characteristic, habitual way of behaving, speaking, etc.
… the halftime commentator on ESPN 2, who specialized in inanities throughout the tournament …Jonathan Wilson
… a computer industry that seems to specialize in simultaneous hype and obfuscation …Walter S. Mossberg
The anti-environmental presidency was orchestrated by administration insiders who have specialized in being out of touch …Gregg Easterbrook
2
intransitive biology : to undergo specialization (see specialization sense 2) or differentiation
As cells begin to specialize into adult tissues, methylation seems to inactivate genes that are no longer needed.John Travis
especially : to change adaptively
… diversity comes about because each different fish has to specialize, to find its own niche where it can do better than its competitors. Kenneth E. F. Watt
3
transitive : to apply or direct (something or someone) to a specific end, use, or specialty
specialized their study
… media are evolving so quickly that education of the future will probably be forced to specialize students in one or another media-type, no longer producing a single "literate" man.Henry G. Burger
Even some small police departments have seen fit to specialize their investigative units …Daniel S. McDevitt
4
transitive dated : to make particular mention of (something) : specify, particularize
… Edward dares not specialize what alone he dreads.Edward Bulwer-Lytton

Examples of specialize in a Sentence

Some carpenters do a wide range of jobs, while others specialize.
Recent Examples on the Web Latu specializes in hand-to-hand combat, features a pro-ready arsenal of pass-rush moves and became the first Bruin to win the Lombardi Award (outstanding lineman) and Hendricks Award (best defensive end) last season. Eddie Brown, San Diego Union-Tribune, 20 Mar. 2024 Goodbye Kansas specializes in creating trailers for games worldwide and visual effects for live-action productions. Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 19 Mar. 2024 Sara Maciel, a travel advisor for Carry on the Magic, specializes in booking Walt Disney World vacations. Jacqueline Dole, Travel + Leisure, 19 Mar. 2024 Regular presences at major film festivals, the two women have specialized in documentary, international, genre and independent films of both the theatrical and streaming variety. Scott Feinberg, The Hollywood Reporter, 18 Mar. 2024 Your 20s and 30s are for learning skills Using Obama’s mantra for career success, Raman advises those in their twenties and early thirties to forgo titles completely to focus on skills development, before specializing in their mid-thirties. Orianna Rosa Royle, Fortune, 18 Mar. 2024 But with a spotlight on making what can be a vulnerable experience for performers feel safe, including formally in recent SAG-AFTRA contract negotiations, companies that specialize making modesty garments in different shapes, sizes and colors have sprouted up. Megan Cerullo, CBS News, 12 Mar. 2024 Numerous nonprofit companies in Arizona and elsewhere that specialize in affordable housing complexes could take advantage of a 9% federal tax credit to construct such projects. The Arizona Republic, 6 Mar. 2024 Lawyers and consultants who specialize in DEI are in demand as companies frantically review their diversity policies to assess legal risk. Ruth Umoh, Fortune, 6 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'specialize.' 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

1616, in the meaning defined at sense 4

Time Traveler
The first known use of specialize was in 1616

Dictionary Entries Near specialize

Cite this Entry

“Specialize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/specialize. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

specialize

verb
spe·​cial·​ize ˈspesh-ə-ˌlīz How to pronounce specialize (audio)
specialized; specializing
1
: to limit one's attention or energy to one business, subject, or study
2
: to undergo specialization

Medical Definition

specialize

intransitive verb
spe·​cial·​ize
variants also British specialise
specialized also British specialised; specializing also British specialising
1
: to concentrate one's efforts in a special activity or field : become or be a specialist
specialize in anesthesiology
2
: to undergo evolutionary specialization

More from Merriam-Webster on specialize

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