special special /ˈspɛʃəl/

adjective

1. () Unique or specific to a person or thing or category  ( peculiar , particular , special )
   unique or specific to a person or thing or category
    The particular demands of the job
   the particular demands of the job
    Has a particular preference for Chinese art
   has a particular preference for Chinese art
    A peculiar bond of sympathy between them
   a peculiar bond of sympathy between them
    An expression peculiar to Canadians
   an expression peculiar to Canadians
    Rights peculiar to the rich
   rights peculiar to the rich
    The special features of a computer
   the special features of a computer
    My own special chair
   my own special chair
   
2. () For a special service or occasion  ( special )
   for a special service or occasion
    A special correspondent
   a special correspondent
    A special adviser to the committee
   a special adviser to the committee
    Had to get special permission for the event
   had to get special permission for the event
   
3. () Surpassing what is common, usual or expected  ( especial , exceptional , particular , special )
   surpassing what is common, usual or expected
    He paid especial attention to her
   he paid especial attention to her
    Exceptional kindness
   exceptional kindness
    A matter of particular and unusual importance
   a matter of particular and unusual importance
    A special occasion
   a special occasion
    A special reason to confide in her
   a special reason to confide in her
    What's so special about the year 2000?
   what's so special about the year 2000?
   
4. () Adapted to or reserved for a particular purpose  ( special )
   adapted to or reserved for a particular purpose
    A special kind of paint
   a special kind of paint
    A special medication for arthritis
   a special medication for arthritis
   
5. () Having a specific function or scope  ( limited , special )
   having a specific function or scope
    A special (or specific) role in the mission
   a special (or specific) role in the mission
   
6. () First and most important  ( particular , special )
   first and most important
    His special interest is music
   his special interest is music
    She gets special (or particular) satisfaction from her volunteer work
   she gets special (or particular) satisfaction from her volunteer work
   
7. Added to a regular schedule  ( extra , special )
   added to a regular schedule
    A special holiday flight
   a special holiday flight
    Put on special buses for the big game
   put on special buses for the big game
   

noun

1. () A special offering (usually temporary and at a reduced price) that is featured in advertising  ( special )
   a special offering (usually temporary and at a reduced price) that is featured in advertising
    They are having a special on pork chops
   they are having a special on pork chops
   
2. A television production that features a particular person, work or topic  ( special )
   a television production that features a particular person, work or topic
    The last of a series of BBC specials on Iran is being shown tonight
   the last of a series of BBC specials on Iran is being shown tonight
   
3. A dish or meal given prominence in e.g. a restaurant  ( special )
   a dish or meal given prominence in e.g. a restaurant
    Tonight's restaurant special is grilled salmon with a lemon-herb butter.
   Tonight's restaurant special is grilled salmon with a lemon-herb butter.