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
- nonspecializing adjective
- overspecialize verb
- prespecialize verb (used without object)
- specialization noun
- subspecialize verb
- superspecialize verb (used without object)
- unspecializing adjective
Etymology
Origin of specialize
From the French word spécialiser, dating back to 1605–15; special, -ize
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.
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
There are also estate attorneys who specialize in family-business succession planning.
From MarketWatch • Mar. 6, 2026
His weekly flow note alerts investors to watch closely the performance of exchange-traded funds that specialize in bank loans.
From MarketWatch • Feb. 27, 2026
“I specialize in the pathology and therapeutics of the blood,” he said.
From "Snow Falling on Cedars: A Novel" by David Guterson
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.
