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.

---

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

I would say that this as a potential application is a bit more farther out, though.

From Barron's ● Oct. 6, 2026

He crossed the Channel again in April 2025 and was housed in a hotel in Basingstoke for three days, before being told he was not eligible for accommodation due to his outstanding asylum application.

From BBC ● Oct. 5, 2026

A federal judge would have the power to order an agency to take action on a permit application, and in some cases pay economic damages caused by the delay.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 5, 2026

A 2025 report by the American Credit Union Mortgage Association, a national nonprofit trade group, delved into these application figures and concluded that credit unions reported significantly lower denial rates than other lenders.

From MarketWatch ● Oct. 5, 2026

I left that line blank and continued filling out the application.

From "Breaking Through" by Francisco Jiménez

Specifically, 929,064 out of 5.2 million applications were denied.

From MarketWatch ● Oct. 5, 2026

Last month, applications opened for a separate means-tested scheme to provide a £100 voucher to some heating oil users.

From BBC ● Oct. 3, 2026

That is still far below room temperature, but it is relatively high compared with similar quantum materials and makes the result especially promising for future applications.

From Science Daily ● Oct. 2, 2026

He has pointed to a precipitous decline in the number of applications for bank charters since the 2008-09 financial crisis.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 2, 2026

I’d be in a Mrs. Rylance wig and would turn to Libby and say, A suburban house witch, actually, who drives her son to auditions and then burns the other boys’ applications.

From "Better Nate Than Ever" by Tim Federle

Related Words

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