applicator

American

[ap-li-kay-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 ( see 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.

See Examples For:

applicator

Rather than removing damaged tooth material and placing a filling, a dentist uses a tiny sponge tipped applicator to paint the liquid directly onto the cavity.

From Science Daily ● Oct. 26, 2026

"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

Nevertheless, the telescoping cardboard applicator tampon is intimately familiar to almost anyone who’s had a period in the last century.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 3, 2023

When Reynolds was gone, he gave Nailer an oiling can and spray applicator that Nailer strapped to his back, and then Knot put Nailer to work lubricating the gearing systems that extended the hydrofoils.

From "Ship Breaker" by Paolo Bacigalupi

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