Dictionary.com

spec

[ spek ]
/ spɛk /
Save This Word!
See synonyms for spec on Thesaurus.com
noun
Usually specs . specification (def. 2).
speculation.
adjective
built, done, bought, etc., as a speculation: the construction of spec houses.
verb (used with object), spec'd or specked or specced, spec'·ing or speck·ing or spec·cing.
to provide specifications for: The custom turbocharger was spec'd by our mechanic.
(in a video game) to create or update (a character) by assigning attributes, skills, weapons, armor, and other items that affect the character’s powers, speed, strength, intelligence, etc.:Do your research before you spec your character, because some builds are just not viable and this game does not allow you to re-spec.
QUIZ
THINGAMABOB OR THINGUMMY: CAN YOU DISTINGUISH BETWEEN THE US AND UK TERMS IN THIS QUIZ?
Do you know the difference between everyday US and UK terminology? Test yourself with this quiz on words that differ across the Atlantic.
Question 1 of 7
In the UK, COTTON CANDY is more commonly known as…
candystring
candyfloss
candypuff
TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT

Idioms about spec

    on spec, made, built, or done with hopes of but no assurance of payment or a sale; without commitment by a client or buyer: ad illustrations done on spec;luxury homes built on spec and sold before completion.

Origin of spec

An Americanism dating back to 1785–95; by shortening

OTHER WORDS FROM spec

spec’·er, speck·er, noun

Other definitions for spec (2 of 2)

spec.
abbreviation
special.
specially.
specifically.
specification.
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Words related to spec

bet, long shot, venture, wager, asset, contribution, expenditure, expense, finance, grant, loan, money, property, purchase, stake, transaction, blueprint, stipulation, plunge, deal

British Dictionary definitions for spec (1 of 2)

spec
/ (spɛk) informal /
noun
on spec as a speculation or gambleall the tickets were sold so I went to the theatre on spec
adjective
(prenominal) Australian and NZ speculativea spec developer

Word Origin for spec

C19: short for speculation or speculative

British Dictionary definitions for spec (2 of 2)

spec.
abbreviation for
specification
speculation
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

Other Idioms and Phrases with spec

spec

see on spec.

The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
FEEDBACK