apply

verb
ap·​ply | \ ə-ˈplī How to pronounce apply (audio) \
applied; applying

Definition of apply

transitive verb

1a : 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

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Other Words from apply

applier \ -​ˈplī(-​ə)r How to pronounce applier (audio) \ noun

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.
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Recent Examples on the Web

But most physicists think the same rules apply to all things, even living things. George Musser, Scientific American, "The Search for Truth in Physics," 25 Aug. 2019 But one thing is sure: The laws of Earth still apply to astronauts who leave the planet’s bounds. Ephrat Livni, Quartz, "NASA is investigating what may be the first space crime," 24 Aug. 2019 China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed Wednesday that Cheng had been detained by police for 15 days under a sweeping security law, but did not specify a reason -- the law cited for his detention applies to numerous broad offenses. Steve George, CNN, "British consulate employee detained for 'solicitation of prostitution,' Chinese state-run newspaper reports," 22 Aug. 2019 Banks have been told that for the time being the new benchmark will not apply to mortgages. The Economist, "China’s interest-rate revamp highlights the slow march of reform," 22 Aug. 2019 Santa Clara County was one of the first California counties to prohibit the sale of flavored tobacco in most stores, but that applies only to unincorporated areas of the county. Catherine Ho, SFChronicle.com, "Nearly 1 in 3 teens in Santa Clara County have tried vaping: survey," 21 Aug. 2019 In the past, advocates have worried that L.A. Unified would shortchange students with disabilities without a powerful, independent monitor — although that same concern would theoretically apply to other school systems as well. Howard Blume, Los Angeles Times, "13% of L.A. students have a significant disability. Is this a better deal for them?," 21 Aug. 2019 Gay and Tara Zieman, director of marketing and communications for Visit Mobile, said that some restrictions apply to admission. al, "‘American Idol’ auditions are Tuesday at GulfQuest -- but don’t go there," 19 Aug. 2019 That said, those same stats apply to another name that's guaranteed to be on the ballot next November: Donald John Trump. NBC News, "Aug. 18, 2019 - Larry Kudlow, Beto O'Rourke and Mark Sanford," 18 Aug. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'apply.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of apply

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

History and Etymology for apply

Middle English applien, from Anglo-French aplier, from Latin applicare, from ad- + plicare to fold — more at ply

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More Definitions for apply

apply

verb

English Language Learners Definition of apply

: to ask formally for something (such as a job, admission to a school, a loan, etc.) usually in writing
: to put or spread (something) on a surface, a part of the body, etc.
: to cause (force, pressure, etc.) to have an effect or to be felt

apply

verb
ap·​ply | \ ə-ˈplī How to pronounce apply (audio) \
applied; applying

Kids Definition of apply

1 : to request especially in writing apply for a job
2 : to lay or spread on apply a coat of paint
3 : to place in contact apply heat
4 : to have relation or a connection This law applies to everyone.
5 : to put to use I applied my knowledge.
6 : to give full attention I applied myself to my work.
ap·​ply | \ ə-ˈplī How to pronounce apply (audio) \
applied; applying

Medical Definition of apply

: to lay or spread on apply antiseptic to a cut