Digital Technology. a software application, often a small, specialized program for mobile devices.
You’ll find numerous free photo editing apps in the app store on your smartphone.
The word processing app that comes with the laptop isn’t adequate for our publishing needs.
an application; a form to be filled out by an applicant.
I'm working on my college apps.
apparatus.
apparent.
appendix.
applied.
appointed.
approved.
approximate.
First recorded in 1985–90; shortening of application ( def. )
By shortening
An app is a program that's designed to be used on your computer, tablet, or mobile phone. If you don't have a weather app, how will you know whether or not to bring your raincoat? App is short for application. You can use it for any kind of computer application (like word processing or spreadsheets), but it usually refers to smartphones. If you have one, you've also got apps, for things like maps, banking, entertainment, to-do lists, and photo editing. Every so often, you'll also hear someone use app as shorthand for a restaurant appetizer: "I'd like to order some apps for the table, when you have a sec!"
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Chinese internet giant Baidu, in partnership with ride-sharing app Lyft, also plans to launch a driverless taxi service in the British capital.
From Barron's • Jun. 8, 2026
The company also unveiled a standalone Siri AI app so people can view all their AI conversations in one place.
From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 8, 2026
When Tamika Young was promoted to the top marketing gig at dating app Hinge last December, she stipulated that she wanted to change the job title.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 8, 2026
The first three times Julie was targeted on the same dating app, she said each scammer followed a similar playbook.
From BBC • Jun. 6, 2026
I’ve been playing with the camera app and it’s pretty good.
From "Finding Junie Kim" by Ellen Oh
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
