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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

Dentists apply it directly to a cavity with a small sponge-tipped applicator, a process that takes only a few seconds for each tooth.

From Science Daily ● Jul. 29, 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

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

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 3, 2023

The iodine had a stopper and a glass rod applicator.

From "Bad Boy" by Walter Dean Myers

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