apply

verb

ap·​ply ə-ˈplī 

applied; applying

transitive verb

1

a

: to put to use especially for some practical purpose

He applies pressure to get what he wants.

b

: to bring into action

apply the brakes

c

: to lay or spread on

apply varnish

d

: to put into operation or effect

apply a law

2

: to employ diligently or with close attention

You should apply yourself to your work.

intransitive verb

1

: to have relevance or a valid connection

This rule applies to freshmen only.

2

: to make an appeal or request especially in the form of a written application

apply for a job

applier

ə-ˈplī(-ə)r 

noun

Synonyms

• appertain
• bear
• pertain
• refer
• relate

Examples of apply in a Sentence

For further information, apply to the address below.

I applied in writing to several different companies.

You must have a high school diploma for this job. High school dropouts need not apply.

After applying a thin layer of paint to the wall and letting it dry, apply another coat.

We applied the ointment to the cut.

I washed my face and applied fresh makeup.

Fertilizer was applied to the lawn every two weeks.

Recent Examples on the Web

This approach can be applied to a team, a division, or even an entire organization. —Vibhas Ratanjee, Forbes, 19 Feb. 2025

Burkhardt explained the companies will assess the reception of Canada Goose’s debut eyewear collection and take those learnings to apply to future launches. —Layla Ilchi, WWD, 19 Feb. 2025

The president did not offer further details on whether the 25% tariff would be applied across the board to all countries or whether cars manufactured in Mexico and Canada under a free trade agreement Trump signed during his first term would be spared. —John Liu and Elisabeth Buchwald, CNN, 19 Feb. 2025

Applicants must have attended a high school in Ramona for at least two full years; maintain a 3.0 or better grade point average; apply for one of the two types of scholarships offered; be in need of financial assistance; and have a future goal. —Maureen Robertson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 Feb. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English aplien, applien "to join, combine, use for a certain purpose, put to use (an expression, word), strive (to do something)," borrowed from Anglo-French aplier, applier "to put to use or operation, attach to oneself, conform, bend" (continental Middle French apploier, applier "to employ, put to use"), going back to Latin applicāre "to bring into contact (with), situate near, bring to bear (on), make applicable or relevant (to)," from ap- ap- entry 1 + -plicāre "to fold, bend" — more at ply entry 3

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a

Phrases Containing apply

• apply for college
• apply oneself

Kids Definition

apply

verb

ap·​ply ə-ˈplī 

applied; applying

1

a

: to put to use

apply knowledge

b

: to lay or spread on

apply a coat of paint

c

: to place in contact

apply heat

d

: to put into operation or effect

apply a law

2

: to give one's full attention

applied myself to the work

3

: to have relation or a connection

this law applies to everyone

4

: to make an application : make a request

apply for a job

applier

-ˈplī(-ə)r 

noun

Medical Definition

apply

transitive verb

ap·​ply ə-ˈplī 

applied; applying

: to lay or spread on

apply antiseptic to a cut