application
Americannoun
-
the act of putting to a special use or purpose.
the application of common sense to a problem.
- Synonyms:
- utilization
-
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.
- Synonyms:
- pertinence, aptitude
-
the act of requesting.
Her application for assistance was, surprisingly, received favorably by the members of the assembly.
- Synonyms:
- petition, suit, soliciting, solicitation
-
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.
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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.
-
close attention; persistent effort.
Application to one's studies is necessary.
- Synonyms:
- perseverance, persistence, industry, diligence, assiduity
-
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.
-
a salve, ointment, or the like, applied as a soothing or healing agent.
-
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.
noun
-
the act of applying to a particular purpose or use
-
relevance or value
the practical applications of space technology
-
the act of asking for something
an application for leave
-
a verbal or written request, as for a job, etc
he filed his application
-
diligent effort or concentration
a 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
Synonym Usage
See effort.
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
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.
Vocabulary lists containing application
Jim Burke's Academic Vocabulary List
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The SAT: Multiple-Meaning Words, List 3
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The New SAT: Multiple-Meaning Words
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The other had application restrictions for those under 21, as well as a minimum spending amount he didn’t think he could make in order to get the bonus points.
From MarketWatch • Jun. 9, 2026
The team has completed the basic research phase and filed a patent application for Compound 10.
From Science Daily • Jun. 8, 2026
For those who want to earn their associate’s or bachelor’s degrees and become a lead teacher, she encourages them to visit schools and makes the college application a part of their classwork.
From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 8, 2026
Viridor, which runs the site, said the EA had independently reviewed the application after the facility demonstrated it could process additional waste while continuing to operate within strict environmental permit requirements.
From BBC • Jun. 7, 2026
Elizabeth reserved to herself the application for her mother’s.
From "Pride and Prejudice" by Jane Austen
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
