specialty

[spesh-uhl-tee]

noun

plural

specialties 

1. a special or distinctive quality, mark, state, or condition.

2. a special subject of study, line of work, area of interest, or the like.

   His specialty is art criticism.

3. an article or service particularly dealt in, rendered, manufactured, etc., or one to which the provider, dealer, or manufacturer claims to devote special care.

   The manufacturer's specialty is fine hats.

   Synonyms: forte, badge, stamp, trademark

4. an article of unusual or superior design or quality.

5. a novelty; a new article.

6. an article with such strong consumer demand that it is at least partially removed from price competition.

7. a special or particular point, item, matter, characteristic, or peculiarity.

8. Law.

   1. a special agreement, contract, etc., expressed in an instrument under seal.

   2. a negotiable instrument not under seal.

adjective

1. Theater.,  (in vaudeville)

   1. performing or performed in a manner that is unusual or not customary for a type of act, especially a performance involving dexterity or ingenuity, as a patter song.

      specialty actor; specialty act.

   2. (of a song or dance) isolated from the rest of the show.

      specialty number.

specialty

/ ˈspɛʃəltɪ /

noun

1. law a formal contract or obligation expressed in a deed

2. a special interest or skill

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

      roast beef was a specialty of the house

   2. ( as modifier )

      a specialty dish

4. a special or distinguishing feature or characteristic

Word History and Origins

Origin of specialty¹

First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English specialte, specialite “particular affection, fondness,” from Old French especialte, specialte “special quality, favor, or privilege,” from Latin speciālitāt- (inflectional stem of speciālitās) “particularity, peculiarity”; special, -ity

Example Sentences

The company's Facebook page says it manufactures "various high explosive compositions and specialty products" for the US Department of Defense as well as US industrial markets.

Read more on Barron's

The cookbook offers helpful guides to the different varieties of herring—from New Catch to schmaltz—smoked salmon and specialty fish such as sturgeon and sable and caviar.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Cardinal is hoping to make its pharmaceutical and specialty distribution business, which has more than 70,000 drug deliveries daily, more efficient and versatile.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Pfizer said it would sell the vast majority of its primary-care treatments at reduced prices, and some select “specialty” drugs, which tend to be more expensive and used to treat life-threatening or chronic diseases.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

In Savannah, Ga., members drink a revolving menu of specialty cocktails by the pool at Club Bardo.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• hobby 
• major 
• masterpiece 
• profession 
• speciality