application

American  

[ap-li-key-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

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

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

That was the real moment of transition, from an application to a general-purpose technology anyone could use.

From MarketWatch ● Jul. 27, 2026

This study was not completed as a clinical trial associated with an application and has not been assessed by FDA for product approval for stated indications.

From Science Daily ● Jul. 25, 2026

Wise Group shares fell as much as 11% on Friday as the U.K.-headquartered, U.S.-listed fintech had its application for a national bank charter denied.

From MarketWatch ● Jul. 24, 2026

On Friday, during a Court of Appeal hearing where an application to overturn his conviction was quashed, it emerged Xiao had been returned to the US and was believed to no longer be in custody.

From BBC ● Jul. 24, 2026

Vaughan had successfully helped him file his application, and for this and other legal services Bigheart had planned to pay him as much as $10,000—a sum that is comparable today to nearly $140,000.

From "Killers of the Flower Moon" by David Grann

“The bottom line is that the market is clearly favoring foundational security and infrastructure layers over legacy applications as artificial intelligence reshapes software business models.”

From MarketWatch ● Jul. 27, 2026

That is persuading more Chinese companies to use it for AI applications such as the AI assistants.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 24, 2026

Fewer than a dozen planning applications, out of about 25,000 in Wales, are called in each year - a process which means ministers make the final decision not a council.

From BBC ● Jul. 22, 2026

The Burbank giant filed its renewal applications “under protest.”

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 22, 2026

The pump bucket and pump handle, for example, were straightforward applications of existing technologies, and the boiler was basically a large brewer’s copper.

From "The Invention of Science" by David Wootton

Related Words

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