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.
He later founded APP Pharmaceuticals, a maker of blood thinner heparin, and Abraxis BioScience, where he created breakthrough chemotherapy drug Abraxane.
From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 18, 2026
The study further uncovered new regulatory roles for well-known genes such as APP, which was shown to strongly control other genes in inhibitory neurons.
From Science Daily • Feb. 15, 2026
The Financial Times reported that APP leaders have met State Department officials in Washington three times since April.
From Barron's • Jan. 29, 2026
Open Pickleball Championships, as well as the official footwear company for pickleball events including the APP Tour, USA Pickleball and Major League Pickleball back in 2022.
From MarketWatch • Jan. 17, 2026
New mandatory rules took effect on 7 October which will see UK banks refund APP fraud victims up to £85,000 within five days.
From BBC • Oct. 17, 2024
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.
