application

[ap-li-key-shuhn]

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

/ 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

application

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.

Other Word Forms

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of application¹

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

Synonym Study

See effort.

Example Sentences

The charges stem from a 2023 mortgage application for a home in Virginia.

Read more on Salon

The company’s reach spans not just AI infrastructure, but also applications.

Read more on Barron's

Or will I have to go through the same multiple applications and appeals, and hire a lawyer to get back on disability?

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I applied for Social Security at 62, then reconsidered and withdrew the application.

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The agency also said it would request that GlaxoSmithKline submit a supplemental application to update the drug’s prescribing information.

Read more on Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• appeal 
• claim 
• demand 
• form 
• inquiry 
• letter 
• petition