specialty

[ spesh-uhl-tee ]

noun

, plural spe·cial·ties.

1. a special or distinctive quality, mark, state, or condition.
2. a special subject of study, line of work, area of interest, or the like:

   His specialty is art criticism.

3. an article or service particularly dealt in, rendered, manufactured, etc., or one to which the provider, dealer, or manufacturer claims to devote special care:

   The manufacturer's specialty is fine hats.

   Synonyms: forte, badge, stamp, trademark

4. an article of unusual or superior design or quality.
5. a novelty; a new article.
6. an article with such strong consumer demand that it is at least partially removed from price competition.
7. a special or particular point, item, matter, characteristic, or peculiarity.
8. Law.
   1. a special agreement, contract, etc., expressed in an instrument under seal.
   2. a negotiable instrument not under seal.

adjective

1. Theater. (in vaudeville)
   1. performing or performed in a manner that is unusual or not customary for a type of act, especially a performance involving dexterity or ingenuity, as a patter song:

      specialty actor; specialty act.

   2. (of a song or dance) isolated from the rest of the show:

      specialty number.

specialty

/ ˈspɛʃəltɪ /

noun

1. law a formal contract or obligation expressed in a deed
2. a special interest or skill
3. 1. a service or product specialized in, as at a restaurant

      roast beef was a specialty of the house

   2. ( as modifier )

      a specialty dish

4. a special or distinguishing feature or characteristic

Word History and Origins

Origin of specialty¹

First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English specialte, specialite “particular affection, fondness,” from Old French especialte, specialte “special quality, favor, or privilege,” from Latin speciālitāt- (inflectional stem of speciālitās) “particularity, peculiarity”; special, -ity

Example Sentences

Charlie Miller, the current organizer of the competition, says more eccentric attendees often bring specialty equipment too.

From Eater

The 2020 competition will also be slightly different in that it will focus entirely on the specialty category, where pretty much anything goes.

From Eater

The printer's max resolution clocks in at 5760 x 1440 dpi, but it features a large rear tray for specialty paper, auto-duplex printing, and faster print speeds that mean you'll spend less time waiting and more time enjoying your work.

From Popular-Science

Both specialty manufacturers have stood out for safeguarding employees during the pandemic, as well as for making generous donations of medical equipment to those on the front lines.

From Fortune

It has pushed wedding photographers into an elite league of their own, each carving out what specialty sets them apart.

From Fortune

MK Chambers Company    Michigan-based supplier of specialty machining.

From The Daily Beast

Conestoga Wood Specialties Corporation A Pennsylvania-based wood cabinet and specialty products manufacturer.

From The Daily Beast

It's interesting to note here that Panama has no dedicated specialty beer stores… yet.

From The Daily Beast

I got into the Lincoln field with a very specific specialty in mind.

From The Daily Beast

The notion to morph a specialty tortilla chip into a taco shell at first may sound like it would be a snap.

From The Daily Beast

She wondered if there were a kind of dreadful dog which made a specialty of eating fathers.

From Project Gutenberg

Cherry-tree stems, under the name of agriots, constitute a specialty of Austrian manufacture.

From Project Gutenberg

I had no specialty—no act—that would amuse the public, but the manager signed me up, hoping to develop something useful.

From Project Gutenberg

By this is meant that each professor has his specialty, which he teaches as a specialty and after his own fashion.

From Project Gutenberg

As we have said above, Parke, Davis & Co. should be proud of this elegant specialty.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• hobby
• major
• masterpiece
• profession
• speciality