applied; applying
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.
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
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
The same applies to the other numbers noted in the study, 6835, 7637, 8093, and 9629.
—
Davey Winder, Forbes.com, 26 May 2025
With just two weeks to WWDC 2025, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman reports that the UI overhaul will be applied to all of Apple’s operating systems, not just iOS or macOS.
—Jibin Joseph, PC Magazine, 26 May 2025
Alaska Airlines is a U.S. airline, so do U.S. rules apply?
—Christopher Elliott The Travel Troubleshooter, Sun Sentinel, 26 May 2025
Learn it, apply it and don’t wait to know everything.
—Ellise Shafer, Variety, 26 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for apply
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Davey Winder, Forbes.com, 26 May 2025
With just two weeks to WWDC 2025, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman reports that the UI overhaul will be applied to all of Apple’s operating systems, not just iOS or macOS.
—Jibin Joseph, PC Magazine, 26 May 2025
Alaska Airlines is a U.S. airline, so do U.S. rules apply?
—Christopher Elliott The Travel Troubleshooter, Sun Sentinel, 26 May 2025
Learn it, apply it and don’t wait to know everything.
—Ellise Shafer, Variety, 26 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for apply
Cite this Entry
“Apply.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/apply. Accessed 31 May. 2025.
Copy CitationKids 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
Medical Definition
apply
transitive verb
ap·ply
ə-ˈplī
applied; applying
: to lay or spread on
apply antiseptic to a cut
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