app

[ ap ]

/ æp /

Save This Word!

noun

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.

an application; a form to be filled out by an applicant: I'm working on my college apps.

QUIZ

THINGAMABOB OR THINGUMMY: CAN YOU DISTINGUISH BETWEEN THE US AND UK TERMS IN THIS QUIZ?

Do you know the difference between everyday US and UK terminology? Test yourself with this quiz on words that differ across the Atlantic.

Question 1 of 7

In the UK, COTTON CANDY is more commonly known as…

candystring

candyfloss

candypuff

TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT

Origin of app

First recorded in 1985–90; shortening of application

Other definitions for app (2 of 3)

app²

[ ap ]

/ æp /

noun

Informal. an appetizer served before a meal.

Origin of app

By shortening

Other definitions for app (3 of 3)

app.

abbreviation

apparatus.

apparent.

appendix.

applied.

appointed.

approved.

approximate.

How to use app in a sentence

In 2011 LGBT media outlet Queerty took the app to task for allegedly deleting accounts that made reference to being trans.
Grindr’s Trans Dating Problem|David Levesley|January 9, 2015|DAILY BEAST
Since then, the app has gained over 165,000 users in more than 70 countries, according to its founder.
My Week on Jewish Tinder|Emily Shire|January 5, 2015|DAILY BEAST
I actually downloaded the app last summer and was embarrassed because none of my friends seemed to use it.
My Week on Jewish Tinder|Emily Shire|January 5, 2015|DAILY BEAST
JSwipe is neither the first nor the most recent Jewish dating app.
My Week on Jewish Tinder|Emily Shire|January 5, 2015|DAILY BEAST

And some dresses can be totally altered from an app on your phone.
What, and Who, You'll Be Wearing in 2015|Justin Jones|December 27, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Ef you had a dozen lawyers I'd have to app'int him jest the same.
From Place to Place|Irvin S. Cobb
He c'n jest wrap 'em round his finger an' make 'em app'int anybody he likes.
The Daughter of Anderson Crow|George Barr McCutcheon
Judge Knowles was business head of this—this old cats' home afore he app'inted Cap'n Kendrick to the job, and you know that.
Fair Harbor|Joseph Crosby Lincoln
Appendix I: Method of determining the effect of the rate of application of load on the strength of timber, pp. 325-327; App.
The Mechanical Properties of Wood|Samuel J. Record
If you want to stay a spell, until an assistant's app'inted, I'll undertake to be responsible for your keep.
The Woman-Haters|Joseph C. Lincoln

British Dictionary definitions for app

app

/ (æp) /

noun

computing informal short for application program

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012