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Synonyms

spec

1 American  
[spek] / spɛk /

noun

  1. Usually specs specification.

  2. speculation.

adjective

  1. built, done, bought, etc., as a speculation.

    the construction of spec houses.

verb (used with object)

spec'd, specked, specced, spec'ing, specking, speccing

  1. to provide specifications for.

    The custom turbocharger was spec'd by our mechanic.

  2. (in a video game) to create or update (a character) by assigning attributes, skills, weapons, armor, and other items that affect the character’s powers, speed, strength, intelligence, etc..

    Do your research before you spec your character, because some builds are just not viable and this game does not allow you to re-spec.

idioms

  1. on spec, made, built, or done with hopes of but no assurance of payment or a sale; without commitment by a client or buyer.

    ad illustrations done on spec;

    luxury homes built on spec and sold before completion.
spec. 2 American  

abbreviation

  1. special.

  2. specially.

  3. specifically.

  4. specification.

spec. 1 British  

abbreviation

  1. specification

  2. speculation

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
spec 2 British  
/ spɛk /

noun

  1. as a speculation or gamble

    all the tickets were sold so I went to the theatre on spec
"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

adjective

  1. (prenominal) speculative

    a spec developer
"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
spec More Idioms  

  1. see on spec.

Other Word Forms

  • specker noun
  • spec’er noun

Etymology

Origin of spec

An Americanism dating back to 1785–95; by shortening

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

One theory on the F1 paddock was that Mercedes had discovered a hack with regard to engine compression ratios, a technical spec that ultimately affects engine horsepower.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 8, 2026

A complication was that McLaren were not running the latest specification of Mercedes power-unit, so can expect an uplift when they switch in Australia to the latest spec.

From BBC • Feb. 20, 2026

I’m also picking away at some spec scripts, because I’d love to write a movie that didn’t start as a book.

From Salon • Jan. 14, 2026

A few days later, Los Angeles touted its first completion only to face criticism because the house was a builder spec home permitted for demolition and rebuilding before the Palisades fire destroyed it.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 17, 2025

I did and gave it to the spec five.

From "Fallen Angels" by Walter Dean Myers

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.