specialty

word

/ˈspeɪʃəɫti/, /ˈspɛʃəɫti/
SPAY-shul-tee, SPE-shul-tee
/ˈspeɪʃəlti/, /ˈspɛʃəlti/
SPAY-shul-tee, SPE-shul-tee

Definition

A specialty is an area of skill, knowledge, or expertise that someone is especially good at, or a particular type of product that a place or person is known for.

Usage & Nuances

Used in both professional/academic senses ('medical specialty') and for regional foods ('Italian specialty'). In American English, 'specialty'; in British English, 'speciality.' Not the same as 'special' (which means simply 'not ordinary'). Common collocations: 'my specialty,' 'house specialty,' 'local specialty.'

Example Sentences

Math is his specialty at school.

basic

This restaurant's specialty is seafood.

basic

Her specialty is making desserts.

basic

I'm not great at sports, but history is definitely my specialty.

natural

Try the lasagna—it's their house specialty!

natural

Pediatrics is her medical specialty.

natural