applicator

noun

ap·​pli·​ca·​tor ˈa-plə-ˌkā-tər 

: one that applies

specifically : a device for applying a substance (such as medicine or polish)

Examples of applicator in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

These are combined with an intelligent mix of peptides, caffeine, hyaluronic acid, and squalane into a gel-like serum applied to the skin with a cooling, rollerball applicator. —Kiana Murden, Vogue, 19 Sep. 2025

Outside of the oil being great, the applicator is my favorite, because my hands don't get all oily. —Kathleen Newman-Bremang, Refinery29, 18 Sep. 2025

The massage applicator also feels nice and cooling on my skin, especially around the eye area. —Jessie Quinn, Flow Space, 8 Sep. 2025

Like the West African Dish fufu, both the moisturizer and its applicator are meant to provide nourishment to the body. —Essence, 26 Aug. 2025

Word History

Etymology

applicate "to apply, put to use" (borrowed from Latin applicātus, past participle of applicāre "to bring into contact [with], situate near, bring to bear [on]") + -or entry 1 — more at apply

First Known Use

1659, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for applicator

• activator
• actuator
• agitator
• alligator
• allocator
• alternator
• animator
• annotator
• arbitrator
• aspirator
• aviator
• calculator

Kids Definition

applicator

noun

ap·​pli·​ca·​tor ˈap-lə-ˌkāt-ər 

: a device for applying a substance (as medicine or polish)

Medical Definition

applicator

noun

ap·​pli·​ca·​tor ˈap-lə-ˌkāt-ər 

: one that applies

specifically : a device for applying a substance (as medicine)