application

noun

ap·​pli·​ca·​tion ˌa-plə-ˈkā-shən How to pronounce application (audio)
Synonyms of applicationnext
1
: an act of applying:
a(1)
: an act of putting something to use
application of new techniques
(2)
: a use to which something is put
new applications for old remedies
b
: an act of administering or laying one thing on another
application of paint to a house
c
: assiduous attention
succeeds by application to her studies
2
a
: request, petition
an application for financial aid
b
: a form used in making a request
filling out an application
3
: a program (such as a word processor or a spreadsheet) that performs a particular task or set of tasks
4
: the practical conclusion or lesson to be derived from a speech or writing (such as a moral tale)
5
: a medicated or protective layer or material
an oily application for dry skin
6
: capacity for practical use
words of varied application

Synonyms of application

Relevance
See All Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus

Examples of application in a Sentence

Our loan application has been approved. Anyone interested in running for office must file an application by August 1st. If you'd like to be considered for the job, please send us a letter of application that gives your experience and qualifications. Please fill out this application. The application of heat often helps sore muscles. Repeated application of fertilizer will help the grass become green and healthy. Repeated applications of fertilizer will help the grass become green and healthy. The cut should be treated with a generous application of ointment. Strict application of the rules is necessary in this case. the application of new information
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The Cream Multi-Stick can be used across cheeks, lips and eyes, delivering buildable color and a dewy finish through a creamy, weightless formula designed for mistake-proof application. — Kathryn Hopkins, Footwear News, 13 Oct. 2026 Western Commissioner Rick Lett said the event permit application has been handled with guidance from the county's legal adviser, and that if the H Highway bridge had been out, the county likely would have denied the application. — Glory Reitz, Arkansas Online, 12 Oct. 2026 Buy a small jar, pick one application from the list above and run the comparison yourself. — Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Charlotte Observer, 12 Oct. 2026 Justifying his decision, Herzog’s office cited the years that had passed, Azaria’s expression of sorrow in his application for a pardon, and the approach of Yom Kippur, the Jewish Day of Atonement. — Tamir Sorek, The Conversation, 12 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for application

Word History

Etymology

Middle English applicacioun, borrowed from Middle French & Medieval Latin; Middle French applicacion, borrowed from Medieval Latin applicātiōn-, applicātiō "bringing into contact, coming to shore, bringing into use for a particular purpose," going back to Latin, "act of attaching or joining," from applicāre "to bring into contact (with), situate near, bring to bear (on)" + -tiōn-, -tiō, suffix of verbal action — more at apply

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of application was in the 14th century

Phrases Containing application

Rhymes for application

See All Rhymes for application

Browse Nearby Words

applicate
application
application programming interface
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Application.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/application. Accessed 14 Oct. 2026.

Copy Citation

Kids Definition

application

noun
ap·​pli·​ca·​tion ˌap-lə-ˈkā-shən How to pronounce application (audio)
1
a
: an act of applying
application of paint to a house
b
: an act of putting to use
application of a new method
c
: the use to which something is put
2
: ability to fix one's attention on a task
3
a
: a request made personally or in writing
an application for a job
b
: a form used for making a request
fill out a job application
4
: something put or spread on a surface
an oily application for dry skin
5
: ability to be put to practical use
6
: a computer program that performs one of the major tasks for which a computer is used

Medical Definition

application

noun
ap·​pli·​ca·​tion ˌap-lə-ˈkā-shən How to pronounce application (audio)
1
: an act of applying
the application of a dressing to a wound
2
: a medicated or protective layer or material
an oily application for dry skin

Legal Definition

application

noun
ap·​pli·​ca·​tion
: a request for action or relief
most applications request bail…or an extension of time to file—W. J. Brennan, Jr.
also : a form used to make such a request
an insurance application
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

Listen to the pronunciation of deportment

See Definitions and Examples »

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

Do You Need a New Language Peeve?

The Exceptions of '-s' and '-es' Plurals

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

The Real Origin of 'Supercalifragilistic'

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

7 Words for Bad Endings and Rough Situations

The Words of the Week - Oct. 9

Why do we call it a 'flea market'?
See More

Popular

See More

Do You Need a New Language Peeve?

The Real Origin of 'Supercalifragilistic'

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
a cup of tea and a golf ball on tee side by side
Quiz: Sounds Like... Choose the word that sounds like it fits the clue...
See All