spec

[ spek ]

/ spɛk /

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See synonyms for spec on Thesaurus.com

noun

Usually specs . specification (def. 2).

speculation.

adjective

built, done, bought, etc., as a speculation: the construction of spec houses.

verb (used with object), spec'd or specked or specced, spec'·ing or speck·ing or spec·cing.

to provide specifications for: The custom turbocharger was spec'd by our mechanic.

QUIZ

QUIZ YOURSELF ON "WAS" VS. "WERE"!

Were you ready for a quiz on this topic? Well, here it is! See how well you can differentiate between the uses of "was" vs. "were" in this quiz.

Question 1 of 7

“Was” is used for the indicative past tense of “to be,” and “were” is only used for the subjunctive past tense.

true

false

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Idioms about spec

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.

Origin of spec

An Americanism dating back to 1785–95; by shortening

OTHER WORDS FROM spec

spec’·er, speck·er, noun

Other definitions for spec (2 of 2)

spec.

abbreviation

special.

specially.

specifically.

specification.

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2022

How to use spec in a sentence

“Gronkowski” itself never manages to sound more erotic than the name of a hearty Polish stew or a D-list WWE performer.
‘A Gronking to Remember’ Speed Read: 8 Naughtiest Bits|Emily Shire|January 7, 2015|DAILY BEAST
I take calcium and vitamin D supplements, but prescription medications are generally only for women in menopause.
You’re Never ‘Cured’ of an Eating Disorder|Carrie Arnold|December 20, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Then Pascal responds (in all caps) with, “BUT WE DIDNT WIN A D [sic] YOU KNOW HIM.”
Exclusive: Sony Emails Blast David O. Russell For Allegedly ‘Feeling Up’ Transgender Niece|William Boot|December 14, 2014|DAILY BEAST
The move gets an “A” for symbolism and a “D” for everything else.
Sony Blames North Korea for Hacking, but Washington Left Them Completely Vulnerable|Gordon G. Chang|December 3, 2014|DAILY BEAST

Sen. Claire McCaskill (D-MO), a leading voice on police demilitarization, was supportive of the White House announcement.
SWAT Lobby Shoots to Kill Police Reform After Ferguson|Tim Mak|December 2, 2014|DAILY BEAST
C was a Captain, all covered with lace; D was a drunkard, and had a red face.
Boys and Girls Bookshelf; a Practical Plan of Character Building, Volume I (of 17)|Various
D'o l'on peut aussy veoir, quelle esperance il y a de planter une belle chrestient par tels evangelistes.
The Jesuit Relations and Allied Documents, Vol. II: Acadia, 1612-1614|Various
Neither of us spoke again, and at length the squat log buildings of Pend d' Oreille loomed ahead of us in the night.
Raw Gold|Bertrand W. Sinclair
He picked out that simple little study of Cramer in D major in the first book—you know it well—and asked me to play it.
Music-Study in Germany|Amy Fay
(d) Excess balances may, at the convenience of each federal reserve bank, remain deposited with the gold settlement fund.
Readings in Money and Banking|Chester Arthur Phillips

British Dictionary definitions for spec (1 of 2)

spec

/ (spɛk) informal /

noun

on spec as a speculation or gambleall the tickets were sold so I went to the theatre on spec

adjective

(prenominal) Australian and NZ speculativea spec developer

Word Origin for spec

C19: short for speculation or speculative

British Dictionary definitions for spec (2 of 2)

spec.

abbreviation for

specification

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

Other Idioms and Phrases with spec

spec

see on spec.

spec

Idioms about spec

Origin of spec

OTHER WORDS FROM spec

Other definitions for spec (2 of 2)

Words related to spec

How to use spec in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for spec (1 of 2)

Word Origin for spec

British Dictionary definitions for spec (2 of 2)

Other Idioms and Phrases with spec