Definition of apply
applied
;applying
transitive verb
1a : to put to use especially for some practical purpose He applies pressure to get what he wants.b : to bring into action apply the brakesc : to lay or spread on apply varnishd : 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
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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 of apply from the Web
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Amid fears that permanently allowing emperors to abdicate could subject monarchs to political manipulation, the new bill is set to expire in three years, and cannot be applied to any subsequent emperor.
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The schedule change will apply to Morristown, Summit, Maplewood and other towns along the route, where high property values are tied to direct train service to Manhattan.
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The Alabama Department of Public Health said low-income pregnant women and mothers who are breastfeeding, have had a child in the past six months, or have a child up to the age of 5 may apply for WIC at their local county health department.
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Palestinians in east Jerusalem have residency status and, in principle, a right to apply for citizenship that few have chosen to exercise and that Israel in fact does not make easy.
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When applying for a security clearance, applicants are asked to disclose details about their interactions with foreigners, including the names of all the foreign government officials the applicant has had contact with over the past seven years.
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Nearly 2,600 discharge papers have been issued since 2004 as militia members or relatives are found or apply for them.
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While prepayments are supposedly nonrefundable, BlackBerry argued that Qualcomm has per-device royalty caps that should apply -- even when a phone maker pays in advance.
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Each of Ms. Dyson’s three white-on-gray paintings is 6 feet wide by 8 feet tall and dominated by a subtle circular pattern applied with plastery strokes of a palette knife.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'apply'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Origin and Etymology of apply
Middle English applien, from Anglo-French aplier, from Latin applicare, from ad- + plicare to fold — more at ply
APPLY Defined for English Language Learners
apply
playDefinition of apply for English Language Learners
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: to ask formally for something (such as a job, admission to a school, a loan, etc.) usually in writing
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: to put or spread (something) on a surface, a part of the body, etc.
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: to cause (force, pressure, etc.) to have an effect or to be felt
APPLY Defined for Kids
apply
playDefinition of apply for Students
applied
;applying
1 : to request especially in writing apply for a job
2 : to lay or spread on apply a coat of paint
3 : to place in contact apply heat
4 : to have relation or a connection This law applies to everyone.
5 : to put to use I applied my knowledge.
6 : to give full attention I applied myself to my work.
Medical Dictionary
apply
playMedical Definition of apply
applied
;applying
: to lay or spread on apply antiseptic to a cut
Learn More about apply
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See words that rhyme with apply Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for apply Spanish Central: Translation of apply Nglish: Translation of apply for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of apply for Arabic speakers
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