special Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun a special offering (usually temporary and at a reduced price) that is featured in advertising
    • they are having a special on pork chops
  2. noun a dish or meal given prominence in e.g. a restaurant
  3. noun a television production that features a particular person or work or topic
    • the last of a series of BBC specials on Iran is being shown tonight
  4. adjective satellite unique or specific to a person or thing or category
    peculiar; particular.
    • the particular demands of the job
    • has a particular preference for Chinese art
    • a peculiar bond of sympathy between them
    • an expression peculiar to Canadians
    • rights peculiar to the rich
    • the special features of a computer
    • my own special chair
  5. adjective satellite for a special service or occasion
    • a special correspondent
    • a special adviser to the committee
    • had to get special permission for the event
  6. adjective satellite surpassing what is common or usual or expected
    especial; particular; exceptional.
    • he paid especial attention to her
    • exceptional kindness
    • a matter of particular and unusual importance
    • a special occasion
    • a special reason to confide in her
    • what's so special about the year 2000?
  7. adjective satellite adapted to or reserved for a particular purpose
    • a special kind of paint
    • a special medication for arthritis
  8. adjective satellite having a specific function or scope
    limited.
    • a special (or specific) role in the mission
  9. adjective satellite first and most important
    particular.
    • his special interest is music
    • she gets special (or particular) satisfaction from her volunteer work
  10. adjective satellite added to a regular schedule
    extra.
    • a special holiday flight
    • put on special buses for the big game

WordNet

Spe"cial adjective
Etymology
L. specialis, fr. species a particular sort, kind, or quality: cf. F. spécial. See Species, and cf. Especial.
Definitions
  1. Of or pertaining to a species; constituting a species or sort.
    A special is called by the schools a "species". I. Watts.
  2. Particular; peculiar; different from others; extraordinary; uncommon.
    Our Savior is represented everywhere in Scripture as the special patron of the poor and the afficted. Atterbury.
    To this special evil an improvement of style would apply a special redress. De Quincey.
  3. Appropriate; designed for a particular purpose, occasion, or person; as, a special act of Parliament or of Congress; a special sermon.
  4. Limited in range; confined to a definite field of action, investigation, or discussion; as, a special dictionary of commercial terms; a special branch of study.
  5. Chief in excellence. Obs.
    The king hath drawn The special head of all the land together. Shak.
    Syn. -- Peculiar; appropriate; specific; dictinctive; particular; exceptional; singular. See Peculiar.
Spe"cial noun
Definitions
  1. A particular. Obs. Hammond.
  2. One appointed for a special service or occasion.

Webster 1913