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Synonyms

application

American  
[ap-li-key-shuhn] / ˌæp lɪˈkeɪ ʃən /

noun

  1. the act of putting to a special use or purpose.

    the application of common sense to a problem.

    Synonyms:
    utilization
  2. the special use or purpose to which something is put.

    a technology having numerous applications never thought of by its inventors.

  3. the quality of being usable for a particular purpose or in a special way; relevance.

    This has no application to the case.

    Synonyms:
    pertinence, aptitude
  4. the act of requesting.

    Her application for assistance was, surprisingly, received favorably by the members of the assembly.

    Synonyms:
    petition, suit, soliciting, solicitation
  5. a formal or written request for employment, admission, funding, authorization, etc.: His first job application led to an interview.

    She submitted applications to three universities.

    His first job application led to an interview.

  6. Also called application form.  a form to be filled out by an applicant, as for a job or a driver's license.

    Attach a passport photo to your completed application.

  7. close attention; persistent effort.

    Application to one's studies is necessary.

    Synonyms:
    perseverance, persistence, industry, diligence, assiduity
  8. an act or instance of spreading on, rubbing in, or bringing into contact: a second application of varnish.

    the application of a compress to a wound;

    a second application of varnish.

  9. a salve, ointment, or the like, applied as a soothing or healing agent.

  10. Computers. a computer program, such as a word processor, graphics editor, utility, etc., used for a particular type of job or problem.

    The new version 4.0 of their music production application contains several improvements.

    Antiviral and firewall applications are system utilities that protect your computer.


application British  
/ ˌæplɪˈkeɪʃən /

noun

  1. the act of applying to a particular purpose or use

  2. relevance or value

    the practical applications of space technology

  3. the act of asking for something

    an application for leave

  4. a verbal or written request, as for a job, etc

    he filed his application

  5. diligent effort or concentration

    a job requiring application

  6. something, such as a healing agent or lotion, that is applied, esp to the skin

  7. logic maths the process of determining the value of a function for a given argument

  8. short for application program applications package

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

application Scientific  
/ ăp′lĭ-kāshən /
  1. A computer program with an interface, enabling people to use the computer as a tool to accomplish a specific task. Word processing, spreadsheet, and communications software are all examples of applications.


Related Words

See effort.

Other Word Forms

  • interapplication noun
  • nonapplication noun
  • overapplication noun
  • preapplication noun
  • reapplication noun

Etymology

Origin of application

First recorded in 1375–1425; late Middle English, from Middle French applicacio(u)n, from Latin applicātiōn- (stem of applicātiō ), equivalent to applicāt(us) “applied” (past participle of the verb applicāre apply ) + -iōn- -ion

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

While the structures have few windows or signs of human life, they are chock-full of computers running AI applications, processing credit-card transactions and churning through other business data around the clock.

From The Wall Street Journal

While some members of this genus can cause infections in people or animals, they are also considered promising for biotechnology applications.

From Science Daily

The potential applications extend past treating chronic wounds.

From Science Daily

Makers of leading AI models have embraced "agentic" capabilities that provide software assistants capable of independently tending to tasks, such as creating software applications, based on simple descriptions.

From Barron's

Prospective NIL deals aren’t necessarily part of the equation—elite athletic ability can beef up college applications in general.

From The Wall Street Journal