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

Forbes is protected by reCAPTCHA, and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. Tell us your inspiration for rescuing the ancestral tequila-making methods of the past. —Shivani Vora, Forbes.com, 19 June 2025

International distributors can apply for up to €50,000 ($57,380) per title for theatrical distribution of Italian films in their territories. —Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 19 June 2025

If no deal is reached and the end-of-year tax deadline passes, the SALT cap will be eliminated and expire along with the other 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act provisions that apply to households. —Rachel Schilke, The Washington Examiner, 19 June 2025

This poses a dilemma since water that is applied rolls down the sides of the container without soaking the soil. —Joshua Siskin, Oc Register, 19 June 2025

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

Rhymes for apply

• awry
• belie
• bely
• bigeye
• bonsai
• buckeye
• comply
• coxae
• decry
• defy
• deny
• descry

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