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 of apply

• relate
• pertain
• refer

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

With more income shielded before taxes apply, many taxpayers will see slightly lower taxable income compared with the prior year. —Emma Waldman, Forbes.com, 24 Jan. 2026

Declined to apply for a state grant of up to $400,000 to test the use of the drug buprenorphine to combat opioid use disorder. —Tony Saavedra, Oc Register, 24 Jan. 2026

For an uncrewed test flight in 2014, called EFT-1, the mission team outfitted an Orion capsule with a heat shield applied in the same manner as in the Apollo era — in an intricate honeycomb-like structure. —Jackie Wattles, CNN Money, 23 Jan. 2026

The lawsuit said Dean had applied for the fire chief position when Lake retired in 2023. —Judy L. Thomas, Kansas City Star, 23 Jan. 2026

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