apply

verb

ap·​ply ə-ˈplī How to pronounce apply (audio)
applied; applying
Synonyms of apply

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 How to pronounce apply (audio)
noun

Synonyms of apply

Relevance
See All Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
His family said Salgado Araujo was in the midst of applying for legal status and had been in the country for more than three decades when he was fatally shot. — Dennis Romero, NBC news, 25 July 2026 For the waterline, Briceno recommends applying one layer and letting the eye blink before adding more. — Marci Robin, Allure, 24 July 2026 Martinez Cruzado, the University of Puerto Rico engineer, said that if changes proposed in the 2005 Japan study had been implemented and applied in La Guaira, the outcome of the June 24 earthquakes could have been different. — Syra Ortiz-Blanes, Miami Herald, 24 July 2026 Realism shouldn’t be applied to a show like President Curtis, but the initial adventure isn’t funny enough to stanch the flow of parochial curiosities. — Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 24 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for apply

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of apply was in the 14th century

Phrases Containing apply

Rhymes for apply

See All Rhymes for apply

Browse Nearby Words

applot
apply
apply for college
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Apply.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/apply. Accessed 26 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

apply

verb
ap·​ply ə-ˈplī How to pronounce apply (audio)
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 How to pronounce apply (audio)
noun

Medical Definition

apply

transitive verb
ap·​ply ə-ˈplī How to pronounce apply (audio)
applied; applying
: to lay or spread on
apply antiseptic to a cut

More from Merriam-Webster on apply

Nglish: Translation of apply for Spanish Speakers

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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