apply

verb

ap·​ply ə-ˈplī 

applied; applying

transitive verb

1

a

: to put to use especially for some practical purpose

He applies pressure to get what he wants.

b

: to bring into action

apply the brakes

c

: to lay or spread on

apply varnish

d

: to put into operation or effect

apply a law

2

: to employ diligently or with close attention

You should apply yourself to your work.

intransitive verb

1

: to have relevance or a valid connection

This rule applies to freshmen only.

2

: to make an appeal or request especially in the form of a written application

apply for a job

applier

ə-ˈplī(-ə)r 

noun

Synonyms

• appertain
• bear
• pertain
• refer
• relate

Examples of apply in a Sentence

For further information, apply to the address below.

I applied in writing to several different companies.

You must have a high school diploma for this job. High school dropouts need not apply.

After applying a thin layer of paint to the wall and letting it dry, apply another coat.

We applied the ointment to the cut.

I washed my face and applied fresh makeup.

Fertilizer was applied to the lawn every two weeks.

Recent Examples on the Web

One of the first to try out the builder’s remedy was Cedar Street Partners, which applied to build affordable housing in the affluent Southern California city of La Cañada Flintridge. —Kate Talerico, The Mercury News, 14 Apr. 2024

Council members unanimously approved the amendment, which applies to single-family homes and multi-family developments of three or fewer units. —Phil Diehl, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 Apr. 2024

Cid says she’s applied for a U visa, which provides legal residency and deportation protection for victims of crimes, and says she’s been granted a work permit while her application is pending. —Catherine E. Shoichet, CNN, 14 Apr. 2024

But there is language in it that prosecutors say is more of a catch-all, that it can be applied to any kind of obstruction of an official meeting. —Taylor Wilson, USA TODAY, 12 Apr. 2024

This article was generated by the Kansas City Star Bot, artificial intelligence software that analyzes structured information from TomTom and applies it to templates created by journalists in the newsroom. —Kansas City Star Bot, Kansas City Star, 12 Apr. 2024

Overall, 18 people applied through the McPherson-Jacobson recruiting firm. —Danny Shameer, arkansasonline.com, 2 Apr. 2024

Proceeds Other parties can apply for any funds leftover from the sale after the judgment has been repaid. —Ben Wieder and, Miami Herald, 2 Apr. 2024

Singh, who previously worked at Marvel and Boom! Comics, will now apply that same trade to the rapidly expanding publishing line. —Borys Kit, The Hollywood Reporter, 2 Apr. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English aplien, applien "to join, combine, use for a certain purpose, put to use (an expression, word), strive (to do something)," borrowed from Anglo-French aplier, applier "to put to use or operation, attach to oneself, conform, bend" (continental Middle French apploier, applier "to employ, put to use"), going back to Latin applicāre "to bring into contact (with), situate near, bring to bear (on), make applicable or relevant (to)," from ap- ap- entry 1 + -plicāre "to fold, bend" — more at ply entry 3

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a

Phrases Containing apply

• apply for college
• apply oneself

Kids Definition

apply

verb

ap·​ply ə-ˈplī 

applied; applying

1

a

: to put to use

apply knowledge

b

: to lay or spread on

apply a coat of paint

c

: to place in contact

apply heat

d

: to put into operation or effect

apply a law

2

: to give one's full attention

applied myself to the work

3

: to have relation or a connection

this law applies to everyone

4

: to make an application : make a request

apply for a job

applier

-ˈplī(-ə)r 

noun

Medical Definition

apply

transitive verb

ap·​ply ə-ˈplī 

applied; applying

: to lay or spread on

apply antiseptic to a cut