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

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

This product also has a great nozzle applicator to get straight to the scalp. —Janine Rubenstein, People.com, 22 Aug. 2025

The product violated the Poison Prevention Packaging Act by including a nozzle applicator that is not child-resistant. —Daniel Orton, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 Aug. 2025

It is used more by commercial applicators. —Neil Sperry, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 15 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)