specialty

American  

[spesh-uhl-tee] / ˈspɛʃ əl ti /

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.

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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 British  

/ 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

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Etymology

Origin of specialty

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

While it’s true passengers typically pony up for all sorts of extras on a sailing, from drink packages to specialty dining, they see a true benefit to those things, she noted.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 1, 2026

In the latest quarter, specialty eggs and prepared foods combined to account for 53% of overall net sales, up significantly from 24% the year before.

From Barron's • Apr. 1, 2026

He finished tied for second last year at Memorial Park, a course that rewards aggressiveness—which just happens to be Woodland’s specialty.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 30, 2026

The 400 meters is his specialty, and he’s scheduled to run in that event along with the school’s 4x100 and 4x400 relay teams.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 29, 2026

“The first prize we’d like to announce is a specialty prize, the Small Fry prize—for our youngest contestant participating today. Lucas Winters, come on up here.”

From "Caterpillar Summer" by Gillian McDunn

Related Words

• hobby
• major
• masterpiece
• profession
• speciality