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Synonyms

speciality

American  
[spesh-ee-al-i-tee] / ˌspɛʃ iˈæl ɪ ti /

noun

Chiefly British.

plural

specialities

  1. specialty.

speciality British  
/ ˌspɛʃɪˈælɪtɪ /

noun

  1. a special interest or skill

    1. a service or product specialized in, as at a restaurant

      roast beef was a speciality of the house

    2. ( as modifier )

      a speciality dish

  3. a special or distinguishing feature or characteristic

"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

Etymology

Origin of speciality

1400–50; late Middle English specialite < Late Latin speciālitās; see specialty

Vocabulary lists containing speciality

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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.

“QBE’s leading Lloyd’s presence and speciality expertise positions it well to capture this growth,” MS says.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 9, 2026

A chief concern has been that AI could remove the need for a middle player like Pinterest as the technology combines both discovery and purchase, the former of which has been its speciality.

From MarketWatch • Feb. 13, 2026

Their preparation has been questioned, including the lack of a full-time bowling coach or a member of staff with a speciality in fielding.

From BBC • Jan. 9, 2026

We met him as he trained a group of young men in handling military drones, his speciality.

From Barron's • Dec. 17, 2025

Her speciality was turning out to be the effects of Biosafety Level 4 hot agents, and in the presence of those kinds of agents you need to wear a space suit.

From "The Hot Zone" by Richard Preston

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.