application

[ ap-li-key-shuhn ]

/ ˌæp lɪˈkeɪ ʃən /

SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR application ON THESAURUS.COM

noun

the act of putting to a special use or purpose: the application of common sense to a problem.

the special use or purpose to which something is put: a technology having numerous applications never thought of by its inventors.

the quality of being usable for a particular purpose or in a special way; relevance: This has no application to the case.

the act of requesting.

a written or spoken request or appeal for employment, admission, help, funds, etc.: to file an application for admission to a university.

a form to be filled out by an applicant, as for a job or a driver's license.

close attention; persistent effort: Application to one's studies is necessary.

an act or instance of spreading on, rubbing in, or bringing into contact: the application of a compress to a wound; a second application of varnish.

a salve, ointment, or the like, applied as a soothing or healing agent.

Computers.

a type of job or problem that lends itself to processing or solution by computer: Inventory control is a common business application.
Also called application software, application program. a computer program used for a particular type of job or problem: Your new computer comes preloaded with applications.

Nearby words

Origin of application

1375–1425; late Middle English applicacio(u)n (< Middle French) < Latin applicātiōn- (stem of applicātiō), equivalent to applicāt(us) applied (past participle of applicāre to apply) + -iōn- -ion

SYNONYMS FOR application

1 utilization.

3 aptitude, suitability, pertinence.

4 solicitation, petition.

7 assiduity, industry, persistence, perseverance. See effort.

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Related forms

in·ter·ap·pli·ca·tion, nounnon·ap·pli·ca·tion, nouno·ver·ap·pli·ca·tion, nounpre·ap·pli·ca·tion, noun

re·ap·pli·ca·tion, noun

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for application

“Defendant moved his hands in a manner so as to avoid the application of handcuffs to his wrists,” the complaint says.
Protesters Slimed This Good Samaritan Cop|Michael Daly|December 16, 2014|DAILY BEAST
My parents were thrilled with my choice, even though I had never even paid the campus a visit during the application process.
I Was Gang Raped at a UVA Frat 30 Years Ago, and No One Did Anything|Liz Seccuro|December 16, 2014|DAILY BEAST
CORRECTION: An earlier version of this story stated that ISIS has been known to use the application FireChat.
ISIS Keeps Getting Better at Dodging U.S. Spies|Shane Harris, Noah Shachtman|November 14, 2014|DAILY BEAST
While that application has been used in Iraq, ISIS has not been confirmed to have used it.
ISIS Keeps Getting Better at Dodging U.S. Spies|Shane Harris, Noah Shachtman|November 14, 2014|DAILY BEAST

Her husband was supportive and even took the photos to submit with her application.
From Baltimore Ravens Cheerleader to Mrs. Robinson|Brandy Zadrozny|November 6, 2014|DAILY BEAST
The exclusiveness of the New England theocracies, already relaxed in its application to other sects, was thenceforth at an end.
A History of American Christianity|Leonard Woolsey Bacon
Getting up another article on the application of electric force?
The Award of Justice|A. Maynard Barbour
"Volume," except in its application to books, now carries with it an idea of magnitude.
The Works of Alexander Pope, Volume 1|Alexander Pope
There is literally a world of hope for mankind in the application of this principle on its moral side.
The Booklover and His Books|Harry Lyman Koopman
It is however always philosophy in application to human life and conduct.
Select Masterpieces of Biblical Literature|Various

British Dictionary definitions for application

application

/ (ˌæplɪˈkeɪʃən) /

noun

the act of applying to a particular purpose or use

relevance or valuethe practical applications of space technology

the act of asking for somethingan application for leave

a verbal or written request, as for a job, etche filed his application

diligent effort or concentrationa job requiring application

something, such as a healing agent or lotion, that is applied, esp to the skin

logic maths the process of determining the value of a function for a given argument

short for application program, applications package

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

Word Origin and History for application

application

early 15c., "the bringing of something to bear on something else," from Old French aplicacion (14c.), from Latin applicationem (nominative applicatio) "a joining to, an attaching oneself to," noun of action from past participle stem of applicare (see apply). Meaning "sincere hard effort" is from c.1600. Meaning "a formal request to be hired for a job or paid position" is by 1851.

Science definitions for application

application

[ ăp′lĭ-kā′shən ]

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.

application

noun

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Origin of application

Examples from the Web for application

British Dictionary definitions for application

application

noun

Word Origin and History for application

application

Science definitions for application

application