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
Director Bruce Goodison applies the tension well in the first two thirds of this efficient Shudder release, but then the plot smacks into a dead-end in its final act.
—
Randy Myers, The Mercury News, 7 Nov. 2024
This also applies to any Amazon EC2 instance that's been backed up.
—PCMAG, 6 Nov. 2024
As wildlife tourism continues to grow, the team argues that similar approaches can be applied to other species and contexts.
—Melissa Cristina Marquez, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024
After all, this son of ornery Nevada ranching patriarch and fellow armed stand-off artist Cliven Bundy applied, while on trial in Oregon, for the right of he and his posse to present from their cells in culturally and personally appropriate clothing.
—Matt Thompson, SPIN, 5 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for apply 
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show current usage.
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Randy Myers, The Mercury News, 7 Nov. 2024
This also applies to any Amazon EC2 instance that's been backed up.
—PCMAG, 6 Nov. 2024
As wildlife tourism continues to grow, the team argues that similar approaches can be applied to other species and contexts.
—Melissa Cristina Marquez, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024
After all, this son of ornery Nevada ranching patriarch and fellow armed stand-off artist Cliven Bundy applied, while on trial in Oregon, for the right of he and his posse to present from their cells in culturally and personally appropriate clothing.
—Matt Thompson, SPIN, 5 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for apply
Dictionary Entries Near apply
Cite this Entry
“Apply.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/apply. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.
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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