dedicated

American  

[ded-i-key-tid] / ˈdɛd ɪˌkeɪ tɪd /

adjective

1. wholly committed to something, as to an ideal, political cause, or personal goal.

   a dedicated artist.

2. set apart or reserved for a specific use or purpose.

   dedicated lanes for self-driving cars.

3. (of machine parts, electrical components, hardware, etc.) made or designed to interconnect exclusively with one model or a limited range of models in a manufacturer's line.

   The new tractors use only high-priced dedicated accessories.

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dedicated British  

/ ˈdɛdɪˌkeɪtɪd /

adjective

1. devoted to a particular purpose or cause

   a dedicated man

2. assigned or allocated to a particular project, function, etc

   a dedicated transmission line

   dedicated parking space

3. computing designed to fulfil one function

   a dedicated microprocessor

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Other Word Forms

• dedicatedly adverb
• nondedicated adjective
• self-dedicated adjective
• undedicated adjective

Etymology

Origin of dedicated

First recorded in 1590–1600; dedicate + -ed ²

Explanation

When you are dedicated to something, you are devoted to a cause or ideal, like dedicated volunteers at the animal shelter who show up even in snowstorms and on holidays. Dedicated contains the root word dedicate, meaning "devoted to one's aims or vocation," like a dedicated staff of workers who work extremely hard. It can also mean "set aside for a specific purpose," like a dedicated desk where family members place their keys, the mail and notes to one another — don't throw your coat on top of that desk or throw those items in a drawer.

Example Sentences

Provided these are acknowledged and budgeted for, a dedicated institution can manage the wind-down, allowing the Fed to operate a more conventional monetary policy.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 21, 2026

The film has a dedicated fanbase but was not necessarily a huge hit, so the musical will have to appeal to new audiences.

From BBC • Apr. 21, 2026

The tech behemoth unveiled a dedicated “GLP-1 Management Program” through its primary care arm, Amazon One Medical.

From Barron's • Apr. 21, 2026

“A dedicated gym and wellness area, private studio/office, theater room, and an outdoor kitchen with a fire pit complete this residence, a true celebration of refined, tranquil living in an extraordinary setting,” the listing adds.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 21, 2026

These sixteen dedicated souls were determined to walk all the way from New York to the nation’s capital, and that is exactly what they did, picking up many other hikers along the way.

From "1919 The Year That Changed America" by Martin W. Sandler

Related Words

• committed
• devoted
• enthusiastic
• faithful
• zealous