application

American  

[ap-li-key-shuhn] / ˌæp lɪˈkeɪ ʃən /

noun

• applications
  plural

1. the act of putting to a special use or purpose.

   the application of common sense to a problem.

   Synonyms:

   utilization

2. the special use or purpose to which something is put.

   a technology having numerous applications never thought of by its inventors.

3. 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

4. the act of requesting.

   Her application for assistance was, surprisingly, received favorably by the members of the assembly.

   Synonyms:

   petition, suit, soliciting, solicitation

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. close attention; persistent effort.

   Application to one's studies is necessary.

   Synonyms:

   perseverance, persistence, industry, diligence, assiduity

8. 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.

9. a salve, ointment, or the like, applied as a soothing or healing agent.

10. 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.

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application British  

/ ˌæplɪˈkeɪʃən /

noun

1. the act of applying to a particular purpose or use

2. relevance or value

   the practical applications of space technology

3. the act of asking for something

   an application for leave

4. a verbal or written request, as for a job, etc

   he filed his application

5. diligent effort or concentration

   a job requiring application

6. something, such as a healing agent or lotion, that is applied, esp to the skin

7. logic maths the process of determining the value of a function for a given argument

8. short for application program applications package

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application Scientific  

/ ăp′lĭ-kā′shən /

1. A computer program with an interface, enabling people to use the computer as a tool to accomplish a specific task. Word processing, spreadsheet, and communications software are all examples of applications.

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Synonym Usage

See effort.

Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• interapplication
  noun
• nonapplication
  noun
• overapplication
  noun
• preapplication
  noun
• reapplication
  noun

Inflected Forms

Nouns

• applications
  plural

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.

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

application applications

Or perhaps a practical application of satirist William Makepeace Thackeray’s celebrated challenge: “How to live well on nothing a year.”

From MarketWatch ● Sep. 16, 2026

It submitted plans for the data centre on behalf of Google last year, and as part of the application, consultancy firm Mallory Land Ltd said the proposals took into account the ecology there.

From BBC ● Sep. 15, 2026

It had previously made an Urgent Crown Development application, a special procedure to fast-track the process due to its "national importance".

From BBC ● Sep. 15, 2026

“Defense is a lynchpin application for heavy industrial work,” Pathak said.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 14, 2026

“They’ll hold the dog for you until tomorrow. The shelter closes at three. Bring back the application when you and your parents come in.”

From "Keep It Together, Keiko Carter" by Debbi Michiko Florence

Here’s how the restraining order process is supposed to work — and the pitfalls that prevent many applications from moving forward.

From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 16, 2026

The term "hyperscale data centre", rarely heard a few years ago, is now dividing opinion across the country as a rush of applications are made to build them.

From BBC ● Sep. 15, 2026

Is it vertical applications like Harvey for legal or Cursor for coding?

From MarketWatch ● Sep. 15, 2026

Data center applications received by the Board of Investment in 2Q have slowed significantly from the 1Q peak.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 15, 2026

I guess because Mom’s been keeping her so busy with applications.

From "How to Disappear Completely" by Ali Standish

Related Words

• appeal
• claim
• demand
• form
• inquiry
• letter
• petition