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
Forbes is protected by reCAPTCHA, and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
—
Blake Oestriecher, Forbes.com, 20 Apr. 2025
If an institution like Harvard cannot resist tyranny when applied to it, then who can?
KARL (voice-over): The Ivy League University refuses Trump's latest demands, putting billions in federal funding on the line.
—ABC News, 20 Apr. 2025
The proposal would apply to single parents earning up to $100,000 per year and couples earning up to $200,000 per year.
—Christopher Keating, Hartford Courant, 20 Apr. 2025
Those increases in premiums apply to homeowners everywhere in California — not just fire-prone areas.
—Karla Marie Sanford, Los Angeles Times, 19 Apr. 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.
Blake Oestriecher, Forbes.com, 20 Apr. 2025
If an institution like Harvard cannot resist tyranny when applied to it, then who can?
KARL (voice-over): The Ivy League University refuses Trump's latest demands, putting billions in federal funding on the line.
—ABC News, 20 Apr. 2025
The proposal would apply to single parents earning up to $100,000 per year and couples earning up to $200,000 per year.
—Christopher Keating, Hartford Courant, 20 Apr. 2025
Those increases in premiums apply to homeowners everywhere in California — not just fire-prone areas.
—Karla Marie Sanford, Los Angeles Times, 19 Apr. 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 23 Apr. 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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