specialty

[spesh-uhl-tee]

noun

plural

specialties 

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

In a corner of a cavernous 1890s factory in southern Massachusetts, 15 people are bent over sewing machines, churning out specialty, hospital-grade neonatal gear.

From BBC

Martínez said she enjoyed trying Argentine specialties including empanadas and yerba mate and also came away with a deep fascination for Wilson’s phalaropes.

From Los Angeles Times

The brand is best known for making specialty whey butter, which uses the cream that is separated from whey to produce a “mild, nutty, cheesy and richer, fuller flavor” butter, per its official website.

From Salon

But internal records show an increase in wait times for new patients in specialties such as cardiology, gastroenterology and oncology.

From Salon

Darjeeling tea is a specialty tea, it's not grown anywhere else.

From BBC

Related Words

• hobby 
• major 
• masterpiece 
• profession 
• speciality