apply
verb (used with object)
to make use of as relevant, suitable, or pertinent.
had applied
-
past perfectof apply.past perfect
Used to express a completed action that took place before another specific past action occurred.
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.
At 66, Lee had applied to hundreds of jobs in the 16 months after she was laid off from a soybean processing plant last year.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 20, 2026
They were consummate problem solvers who had applied that skill to their work lives, often to great effect.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 29, 2026
His family said he had applied for a work permit and was on his way toward finally obtaining legal status.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 14, 2026
He told us he had applied and was "still waiting".
From BBC ● Jul. 4, 2026
She and Sosie had applied another coat of pitch to the ship.
From "Beauty Queens" by Libba Bray
