app

¹ American  

[ap] / æp /

noun

1. Informal. an appetizer served before a meal.

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app ² American  

[ap] / æp /

noun

1. 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.

2. an application; a form to be filled out by an applicant.

   I'm working on my college apps.

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app. ³ American  

abbreviation

1. apparatus.

2. apparent.

3. appendix.

4. applied.

5. appointed.

6. approved.

7. approximate.

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app British  

/ æp /

noun

1. informal computing short for application program

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Etymology

Origin of app¹

By shortening

Origin of app¹

First recorded in 1985–90; shortening of application ( def. )

Example Sentences

Live text commentary on Sunday's games on the BBC Sport website and app, plus live radio commentary of Philadelphia Eagles at Buffalo Bills on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra and BBC Sounds.

From BBC

Australia this month imposed a social media ban for users under 16 for apps like Facebook, TikTok and X, opting for a different route instead of putting the responsibility on app stores for age verification.

From Barron's

Congress passed, and the Supreme Court unanimously upheld, a law requiring the app’s Chinese owner, ByteDance, to divest and relinquish operational control of the U.S. business or be banned.

From The Wall Street Journal

However, a 13-minute portion appeared to air on Global TV’s free website and app for two hours before being removed, according to the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation.

From Salon

Maybe these drivers were looking at their navigation app for directions.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• program
• software