applicator

American

[ap-li-key-ter] / ˈæp lɪˌkeɪ tər /

noun

a simple device, as a rod, spatula, or the like, for applying medication, cosmetics, glue, or any other substance not usually touched with the fingers.

applicator British

/ ˈæplɪˌkeɪtə /

noun

a device, such as a spatula or rod, for applying a medicine, glue, etc

"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

Etymology

Origin of applicator

1650–60; applicate ( applicative ) + -or ²

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.

"In the coming weeks, we'll launch applicator training opportunities, and stewardship education to help ensure that growers and applicators have the best experience possible with Stryax herbicide."

From Barron's • Feb. 7, 2026

Her clinic had developed a painless, “skin booster mix” containing Rejuran, but delivered via a stamp-like applicator.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 14, 2025

And enveloping almost every single one of those tampons is a telescoping cardboard applicator.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 3, 2023

Months later, she noticed a mass in the shape of the applicator forming in the same area.

From Seattle Times • Apr. 17, 2023

The iodine had a stopper and a glass rod applicator.

From "Bad Boy" by Walter Dean Myers

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023