specialize
Americanverb (used without object)
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to pursue some special line of study, work, etc.; have a specialty.
The doctor specializes in gastroenterology.
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Biology. (of an organism or one of its organs) to be adapted to a special function or environment.
verb (used with object)
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to render special or specific; invest with a special character, function, etc.
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to adapt to special conditions; restrict to specific limits.
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to restrict payment of (a negotiable instrument) by endorsing over to a specific payee.
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to specify; particularize.
verb
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(intr) to train in or devote oneself to a particular area of study, occupation, or activity
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(usually passive) to cause (organisms or their parts) to develop in a way most suited to a particular environment or way of life or (of organisms, etc) to develop in this way
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(tr) to modify or make suitable for a special use or purpose
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(tr) to mention specifically; specify
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(tr) to endorse (a commercial paper) to a specific payee
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of specialize
From the French word spécialiser, dating back to 1605–15; see special, -ize
Explanation
To specialize is to narrow down your focus, in your studies or profession, to a specific field. If you love playing the accordion, perhaps you should specialize in polka music. If there’s a subject you think is special, specialize in it! For example, doctors start to specialize in medical school, when they study something specific such as podiatry (feet) or cardiology (hearts). Other professionals also specialize in smaller parts of larger fields, like lawyers who specialize in corporate law, or writers who specialize in TV comedies.
Vocabulary lists containing specialize
Drama
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African Civilizations, Lessons 1–2
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Eyes Wide Open
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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.
One position will focus on pro scouting, draft scouting and player development while the other will specialize in analytics, data and the salary cap.
From Los Angeles Times • May 12, 2026
The EVs local brands specialize in used to work better with smaller cars, but that is changing as the technology improves.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 24, 2026
To ensure the robustness of their approach, the team collaborated with experts in Italy and Germany who specialize in QKD security analysis.
From Science Daily • Apr. 1, 2026
Those are the kinds of systems neo-primes such as Saronic and Mach specialize in.
From Barron's • Mar. 31, 2026
“It’s called Chan’s Art Emporium. It’s on Apablasa Street, just off Alameda. We specialize in Chinese art pieces and furniture. My father’s overseas now on a buying trip for stock.”
From "The Red Car to Hollywood" by Jennie Liu
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.
