specialty

noun

spe·​cial·​ty ˈspe-shəl-tē How to pronounce specialty (audio)
plural specialties
often attributive
Synonyms of specialtynext
1
: a distinctive mark or quality
2
a
: a special object or class of objects: such as
(1)
: a legal agreement embodied in a sealed instrument
(2)
: a product of a special kind or of special excellence
fried chicken is my specialty
b
: the state of being special, distinctive, or peculiar
3
: something in which one specializes

Synonyms

See all Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus 

Examples of specialty in a Sentence

Buttermilk pie is a Southern specialty. a doctor with a specialty in dermatology
Recent Examples on the Web Made with fresh crisp tortillas and green salsa, the dish gets topped with warm baked chihuahua cheese and cilantro (go extra and top it with steak and eggs, their specialty). —Ari Bendersky, Peoplemag, 15 Apr. 2024 The idea was to free up space to increase the number of specialty skilled nursing beds available for patients with long-term and complex mental health care needs. —Paul Sisson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 Apr. 2024 Her specialty was butter chicken and not much else. —The Enquirer, 12 Apr. 2024 The dish was her aunt’s specialty, and El-Haddad — who now lives in Maryland with her husband and four children — has fond memories of eating bowlfuls during family celebrations. —Harmeet Kaur, CNN, 10 Apr. 2024 In order to pay Linda back, Paulette promises to cook her chicken with peppers — a dish that was Giulio’s specialty before his demise, and thus carries the taste of trauma for mother and daughter alike. —Jordan Mintzer, The Hollywood Reporter, 10 Apr. 2024 Clifford’s specialty is defense, and that’s an area the Hornets needed to vastly improve in after crashing spectacularly during the opening round of the NBA’s play-in tournament in consecutive seasons. —Roderick Boone, Charlotte Observer, 4 Apr. 2024 Its house specialty is its Cheesy Hot Chicken sandwich, the company says. —Detroit Free Press, 4 Apr. 2024 What was once the family's backyard is now home to the pool, a private event space, and a specialty restaurant. —Taylor McIntyre, Travel + Leisure, 3 Apr. 2024

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

Middle English specialte, from Anglo-French especialté, from Late Latin specialitat-, specialitas, from Latin specialis special

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of specialty was in the 15th century

Phrases Containing specialty

Dictionary Entries Near specialty

special trust

specialty

specialty contract

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“Specialty.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/specialty. Accessed 20 Apr. 2024.

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Kids Definition

specialty

noun
spe·​cial·​ty ˈspesh-əl-tē How to pronounce specialty (audio)
plural specialties
1
: a product of a special kind or of special excellence
eggs were the cook's specialty
2
: something a person specializes in or has special knowledge of

Medical Definition

specialty

noun
spe·​cial·​ty ˈspesh-əl-tē How to pronounce specialty (audio)
plural specialties
: something (as a branch of medicine) in which one specializes

Legal Definition

specialty

noun
spe·​cial·​ty
plural specialties
1
[from the special form of the contract] : formal contract at contract
2
: a doctrine providing that a person extradited can be prosecuted only for the charges described in the order for extradition
3
: real property (as a parcel of land or especially a structure) that is of such specialized character that no market for it exists and for which value upon condemnation is determined by the cost of reproduction less depreciation
—used especially in New York

More from Merriam-Webster on specialty

Nglish: Translation of specialty for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of specialty for Arabic Speakers

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