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

Farmworkers are at particular risk, which has led the EPA to require special training for certified applicators of paraquat. — ABC News, 25 June 2026

The best way to apply this paste is either with your scrubbing applicator or a scraper to make sure there's an even application along the grout lines. — Ashlyn Needham, Southern Living, 25 June 2026

The little gold applicator spoon makes every swipe feel just a bit fancier. — Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 23 June 2026

Anua’s Collagen Retinol Refining Gua Sha Cream is a Korean innovation that includes the aforementioned ingredients and a gua sha-like applicator to aid lymphatic drainage and level up your application. — Reece Andavolgyi, InStyle, 17 June 2026

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)