What does speciality mean?
A speciality is something distinctive about a person, place, business, or thing, or an area in which someone has developed particular expertise. For example, a language teacher might describe regional pronunciation as a speciality, while a hospital might advertise a medical speciality. In food and retail contexts, the word often refers to a signature product, such as a regional dish or handmade item. The sense of an individual talent or distinctive quality emphasizes what sets someone or something apart, whereas the professional sense emphasizes concentrated knowledge and skill. Although "speciality" is especially associated with British English, it is understood internationally; American speakers normally use "specialty" instead. The word is useful because it covers both a person's distinctive field and the recognizable feature of a product or establishment without requiring a more technical expression.
nounA distinctive quality or feature that makes someone or something notable, or a field in which a person has specialized knowledge. It can also refer to a specially made product, service, or dish.
- A distinctive quality or feature that makes someone or something notable.
- A field of study or activity in which a person has specialized knowledge.
- A specially made product, service, or dish regarded as a feature of a business or establishment.
"Her speciality is explaining difficult ideas with remarkable clarity."
"One of her specialities was her ability to remember the names of complete strangers."
"The restaurant is known for its speciality, a rich mushroom risotto."
The plural is standard in British English; US English usually uses "specialties".
"The course covers several medical specialities, including cardiology and neurology."
Two spellings, one meaning: "speciality" and "specialty" are essentially the same word, with geography choosing between them.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does speciality come from?
The English word comes through French from Latin specialitas, meaning "particular condition" or "distinctive quality." Latin specialitas was based on specialis, "particular" or "belonging to one," which in turn developed from species, "kind" or "form." English later formed parallel words such as "specialty," "specialism," and "specialize" from the same root.
How speciality is actually used
The word is neutral in register and is especially common in professional, academic, culinary, and business contexts. In British usage, it can refer either to a field of expertise or to a signature product or dish.
Easily confused with speciality
"Speciality" is the usual British spelling, whereas "specialty" is the standard US spelling; in the main senses, the words have the same meaning.