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

My specialty focuses on the evaluation and treatment of patients with spine and sports-related problems.

From Salon

The 100 survey respondents spanned a range of specialties, including behavioral ecologists, evolutionary biologists, neuroscientists, biological anthropologists, cognitive psychologists and biological psychologists.

From Science Daily

The electorate that ushered Trump back into office trusts their fears and patriarchal order and takes conversational declarations that are the podcast personality’s specialty as gospel.

From Salon

And that’s why I turn to this Napa Valley–based purveyor of specialty beans.

From Los Angeles Times

Ain’t no mountain high enough to forgo a snack while hiking — and these specialty items make great gourmet stocking stuffers.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• hobby
• major
• masterpiece
• profession
• speciality