application

American  

[ap-li-kay-shuhn] / ˌæp lɪˈkeɪ ʃən /

noun

• applications
  plural

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.

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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

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application Scientific  

/ ăp′lĭ-kā′shən /

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.

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Synonym Usage

See effort.

Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

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

Inflected Forms

Nouns

• applications
  plural

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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

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Explanation

An application is a request for a job, assistance or admission to a school. Colleges might want you to submit your application by Dec. 1, but they won't let you know if you've been accepted until sometime in April. An application is also a form you fill out for something. If you need a handicapped parking permit, you and your doctor must first fill out an application and then submit it in the town hall. An application is also a computer program designed to perform a task or solve a problem. If you didn't get enough sleep last night, the careful application of makeup can mask the dark circles under your eyes.

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

application applications

Dahan was charged with making false statements on her naturalization application to become a U.S. citizen.

From Los Angeles Times ● Nov. 2, 2026

Few Russians use the affected application, run by the ministry of emergency situations.

From Barron's ● Nov. 2, 2026

Students apply for aid using the College Scholarship Service profile, an online application used by many selective colleges to award nonfederal institutional aid, alongside the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or Fafsa.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Nov. 2, 2026

So she booked a short stay in the Cook Islands while the application was made.

From BBC ● Oct. 31, 2026

“The trustees have deemed the application of the poultice an unnecessary expense, although I am quite sure they themselves would not enjoy being bitten by fleas.”

From "The Interrupted Tale" by Maryrose Wood

“My second week was full of phone calls, emails, job applications, and somber moments with co-workers.”

From The Wall Street Journal ● Nov. 3, 2026

Its residential use was banned in the United States in 2001, and agricultural applications faced additional restrictions in 2021.

From Science Daily ● Nov. 1, 2026

Immigration New Zealand told the BBC it had received multiple transit visa applications from Ranasingha - all declined "as we were not satisfied she has a genuine intention to transit through New Zealand".

From BBC ● Oct. 31, 2026

The changes would consolidate seven Area Planning Commissions into one, partly to lower costs and ensure that all appeals and applications are governed by the same logic.

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 31, 2026

Not to mention I still had to look for scholarships and fill out college applications.

From "Made You Up" by Francesca Zappia

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Related Words

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

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