applied

adjective

ap·​plied ə-ˈplīd 

1

: put to practical use

applied art

especially : applying general principles to solve definite problems

applied sciences

2

: working in an applied science

an applied physicist

Synonyms of applied

• applicable
• useful
• applicative

Examples of applied in a Sentence

a professor of applied science

used some applied psychology to get the teenager to become more responsible

Recent Examples on the Web

Meanwhile, New York’s share of national creative jobs has declined across key industries, including film and television, advertising, music production, performing arts, and applied design. —Lola W. Brabham, New York Daily News, 6 May 2026

Fall spent nearly four years as vice president for applied sciences at technology research nonprofit MITRE. —Sharon Goldman, Fortune, 6 May 2026

Access to capable hardware lowers barriers, speeds iteration, and enables real-world testing beyond simulations, accelerating progress in embodied AI, especially in manipulation and applied robotics. —Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 1 May 2026

The heavy investment by the state in the demolition is seen as evidence that the city is serious about developing the applied AI center. —Kenneth R. Gosselin, Hartford Courant, 24 Apr. 2026

Word History

Etymology

from past participle of apply

First Known Use

1656, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for applied

• abide
• allied
• aside
• astride
• azide
• backside
• bankside
• bastide
• bayside
• bedside
• belied
• beside

Kids Definition

applied

adjective

ap·​plied ə-ˈplīd 

: put to use in practice or action

especially : applying general principles to solve problems that have clear limits

applied sciences

Medical Definition

applied

adjective

ap·​plied ə-ˈplīd 

: put to practical use

especially : applying general principles to solve definite problems

applied sciences

applied psychology