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.

---

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

---

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.

---

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

Unless you actually set out to defraud the insurer, the company may not cancel your coverage even if you made a mistake on your application.

From MarketWatch ● Sep. 12, 2026

Retail giant Amazon has put an application in to expand its drone delivery service to cover an entire town where it has been trialling the tech.

From BBC ● Sep. 11, 2026

For example, last May, Anthropic’s biological safety classifier blocked a request for Claude’s assistance in authoring a grant application for scientific funding.

From Salon ● Sep. 11, 2026

The federal government disagrees, and its letter cited the law school’s application form.

From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 9, 2026

It says: “Re: Your application to the School of Fine Art and Music.”

From "Red Flags and Butterflies" by Sheryl Azzam

The vast majority of applications are now linked to the AstraZeneca vaccine and other Covid jabs.

From BBC ● Sep. 11, 2026

For cosmetic applications, the company shares rights with Switzerland’s Galderma.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 11, 2026

Their figure is derived from mortgage applications submitted to the enterprise, which packages and resells the loans on the secondary market.

From MarketWatch ● Sep. 10, 2026

The agenda item for the Continuum of Care board meeting Wednesday said applications would be due Sept. 24.

From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 10, 2026

“Well, listen, if you ever need help with your applications or have any questions, please let us know. We need more people like you in college,” Freddy says.

From "I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter" by Erika L. Sánchez

Related Words

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