applicator

noun

ap·​pli·​ca·​tor ˈa-plə-ˌkā-tər 

: one that applies

specifically : a device for applying a substance (such as medicine or polish)

Examples of applicator in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

My brother’s fiancée turned me on to these ones from Touchland, which not only have easy-pump spray applicators, but are enriched with nourishing aloe vera and sweet scents like watermelon and peach. —Jamie Allison Sanders, PEOPLE, 12 Apr. 2026

The applicator's reservoir is first filled with the poison. —David Beaulieu, The Spruce, 11 Apr. 2026

The cooling applicator feels oh-so-soothing and the primer’s slight tint adds an additional brightening effect around my eyes. —Cathy Nelson, InStyle, 9 Apr. 2026

Many, including myself, found it a bit drying and not easily buildable without settling into fine lines, with a cute but not super-effective doe-foot applicator. —Elizabeth Denton, Allure, 1 Apr. 2026

Word History

Etymology

applicate "to apply, put to use" (borrowed from Latin applicātus, past participle of applicāre "to bring into contact [with], situate near, bring to bear [on]") + -or entry 1 — more at apply

First Known Use

1659, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for applicator

• activator
• actuator
• agitator
• alligator
• allocator
• alternator
• animator
• annotator
• arbitrator
• aspirator
• aviator
• calculator

Kids Definition

applicator

noun

ap·​pli·​ca·​tor ˈap-lə-ˌkāt-ər 

: a device for applying a substance (as medicine or polish)

Medical Definition

applicator

noun

ap·​pli·​ca·​tor ˈap-lə-ˌkāt-ər 

: one that applies

specifically : a device for applying a substance (as medicine)