special

SPESH-uhl/ˈspɛʃ.l̩/

22 meanings of special

1
not ordinaryadjective
Different from the usual in a way that stands out.
Like one shiny marble that stands out from all the plain ones.
She wore a special dress just for the party.
This key opens a special lock that most people cannot pick.
UsageSay something special or nothing special.
Similarunique, particular, unusual, distinctive, exceptional
Oppositeordinary, common, standard, general
Note
2
dearadjective
Loved and important to you in a way other things are not.
My grandmother is very special to me.
This old photo is special because it shows my whole family together.
UsageSay she is special to me.
Similardear, precious, cherished, treasured, beloved
3
restaurant dishnouncountable
A meal a restaurant offers for a short time, not on its normal menu, often at a lower price.
The soup is today's special, so it costs a little less.
I ordered the lunch special instead of something off the regular menu.
UsageSay today's special or the lunch special.
4
sale pricenouncountable
A lower price on something for a short time, or the thing sold cheaply.
The store has a special on bananas this week.
I bought these shoes on special for half the usual price.
UsageSay coffee is on special, or there is a special on coffee.
Similaroffer
5
TV episodenouncountable
A TV or radio show made for one time or a special occasion, outside the usual schedule.
The cartoon aired a holiday special every December.
The band played all its old hits in a one-hour TV special.
UsageSay a TV special or a holiday special.
Note
6
appointed (one issue)adjective
Chosen to look at just one event or question, not many.
The town set up a special committee to study the flood.
A special judge was brought in to handle the single case.
UsageUsed before a job or group: a special committee.
Oppositestanding, permanent
Note
7
disabilityadjectiveeuphemistic
Used for people who have a disability, especially with learning.
She teaches in a special classroom for kids who learn differently.
Her brother goes to a special school for children with learning disabilities.
UsageSay special needs or special school. Calling a person special can sound unkind.
Oppositemainstream, regular
8
militaryadjective
Used for unusual kinds of fighting, not regular army battles.
He served for ten years in the army's special forces.
Only a few soldiers pass the tests to join special operations units.
Oppositeconventional, regular

Less common meanings

9
extra transportnouncountable
Something done outside the normal plan or schedule, like an extra train run.
The railway added a special to carry fans to the game.
They put on a special when the regular bus broke down.
10
stupidadjectivederogatoryoffensiveeuphemistic
A mean, insulting way to say that someone is stupid.
The bullies called him special just to make him cry.
The bully laughed and asked if the new kid was special or something.
UsagePeople say What are you, special? to mock. Don't use it.
Similarstupid, slow, dim, dense, thick
Oppositeclever, bright, smart
Note
11
volunteer policenouncolloquialBritishcountable
A person who works as a volunteer police officer to help the regular police.
Like a volunteer firefighter who helps the full-time crew.
As a special, she helps the police at big football games on weekends.
The specials patrolled the town center during the football match.
Oppositeregular
Note
12
with drugsadjectiveeuphemistic
Made with a drug in it, usually marijuana, like a special brownie.
Someone brought special brownies, and the whole party got very giggly.
He didn't know the cookies were special until his head started spinning.
UsageSometimes writers put quotes around special, as in 'special' brownies.
Similarlaced, spiked
Note
13
sexualadjectiveeuphemistic
A polite or shy way of saying something is about sex or private body parts.
The cartoon taught kids that no one should touch their special parts.
Parents teach young kids that no one should touch their special parts.
UsageAdults say special parts to young children.
Similarprivate, intimate
Note
14
noundated
A reporter sent to where news is happening to send back the story.
15
noundated
A news report sent back by a reporter working away from the office.
16
noun
A stage light that shines on one person or spot, not the whole stage.
17
nounrare
A horse that almost everyone is sure will win the race.
"How's your horse going to go Fatty?" My replies included, "It's a special." "Get on. It can't be beaten."
1995, Paul Vautin, Turn It Up!
18
noun
A medicine made just for one patient, without the usual license.
19
verb
To watch over and care for one patient closely, one at a time.
20
noun
A prize, often a free game, you win for reaching a big goal in pinball.
21
adjectivearchaic
Belonging to or having to do with a species of living thing.
22
nounrare
A dog that is a mix of different breeds.

Practice

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Origin

It came through Old French from Latin "specialis", from "species".

Checked 1 Nov 2026 · 2 facts

English special came through Old French from Latin specialis. en.wiktionary.org
Latin specialis derives from species. en.wiktionary.org