application

noun

ap·​pli·​ca·​tion ˌa-plə-ˈkā-shən 

1

: an act of applying:

a(1)

: an act of putting something to use

application of new techniques

(2)

: a use to which something is put

new applications for old remedies

b

: an act of administering or laying one thing on another

application of paint to a house

c

: assiduous attention

succeeds by application to her studies

2

a

: request, petition

an application for financial aid

b

: a form used in making a request

filling out an application

3

: a program (such as a word processor or a spreadsheet) that performs a particular task or set of tasks

4

: the practical conclusion or lesson to be derived from a speech or writing (such as a moral tale)

5

: a medicated or protective layer or material

an oily application for dry skin

6

: capacity for practical use

words of varied application

Synonyms

• use
• usage
• exercise
• operation

Examples of application in a Sentence

Our loan application has been approved.

Anyone interested in running for office must file an application by August 1st.

If you'd like to be considered for the job, please send us a letter of application that gives your experience and qualifications.

Please fill out this application.

The application of heat often helps sore muscles.

Repeated application of fertilizer will help the grass become green and healthy.

Repeated applications of fertilizer will help the grass become green and healthy.

The cut should be treated with a generous application of ointment.

Strict application of the rules is necessary in this case.

the application of new information

Recent Examples on the Web

The most public application is the AV (Autonomous Vehicle) revolution which solves a pain point for consumers who prefer not to drive, and addresses the shortage of drivers and time restrictions in trucking and industrial applications. —Sabbir Rangwala, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2025

The pause will not impact already existing valid visas, according to the memo, and some applications — including official and C-3 diplomatic visas — will continue to be processed. —Shelby Talcott, semafor.com, 7 Aug. 2025

Since the jar is so generous, Dr. Yadav recommends extending your application from the neck down, as perimenopausal skin isn’t exclusive to the face. —Lisa Desantis, Glamour, 6 Aug. 2025

In under three months, 189 golden visa applications were received, while previous applications were at 116 submissions over the span of more than two-and-a-half years, Reuters reported. —Ashley J. Dimella, FOXNews.com, 6 Aug. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English applicacioun, borrowed from Middle French & Medieval Latin; Middle French applicacion, borrowed from Medieval Latin applicātiōn-, applicātiō "bringing into contact, coming to shore, bringing into use for a particular purpose," going back to Latin, "act of attaching or joining," from applicāre "to bring into contact (with), situate near, bring to bear (on)" + -tiōn-, -tiō, suffix of verbal action — more at apply

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing application

• application program interface
• application programming interface
• application service provider
• application-specific integrated circuit

Rhymes for application

• abdication
• aberration
• abjuration
• abnegation
• abrogation
• acceptation
• acclamation
• acclimation
• accusation
• activation
• actuation
• acylation

Kids Definition

application

noun

ap·​pli·​ca·​tion ˌap-lə-ˈkā-shən 

1

a

: an act of applying

application of paint to a house

b

: an act of putting to use

application of a new method

c

: the use to which something is put

2

: ability to fix one's attention on a task

3

a

: a request made personally or in writing

an application for a job

b

: a form used for making a request

fill out a job application

4

: something put or spread on a surface

an oily application for dry skin

5

: ability to be put to practical use

6

: a computer program that performs one of the major tasks for which a computer is used

Medical Definition

application

noun

ap·​pli·​ca·​tion ˌap-lə-ˈkā-shən 

1

: an act of applying

the application of a dressing to a wound

2

: a medicated or protective layer or material

an oily application for dry skin

Legal Definition

application

noun

ap·​pli·​ca·​tion

: a request for action or relief

most applications request bail…or an extension of time to file

—W. J. Brennan, Jr.

also : a form used to make such a request

an insurance application