Definition of "apply" in English

verb

1. (transitive) To lay or place; to put (one thing to another)

   • to apply cream to a rash

2. (transitive) To put to use; to use or employ for a particular purpose, or in a particular case

   • to apply funds to the repayment of a debt

3. (transitive) To make use of, declare, or pronounce, as suitable, fitting, or relevant.

   • We need to apply the skills we’ve learned to solve this problem.

4. (transitive) To put closely; to join; to engage and employ diligently or with attention.

5. (reflexive) To work diligently and attentively.

   • My parents say I could do well in school if I would apply myself.

6. (transitive, usually reflexive) To address oneself; to refer.

7. (intransitive) To submit oneself as a candidate (with the adposition "to" or "at" designating the recipient of the submission, and the adposition "for" designating the position).

   • I recently applied to the tavern for a job as a bartender.
   • Most of the colleges she applied to were ones she thought she had a good chance of getting into.
   • Many of them don't know it, but almost a third of the inmates are eligible to apply for parole or work-release programs.

8. (intransitive) To pertain or be relevant.

   • That rule only applies to foreigners.

9. (obsolete) To busy; to keep at work; to ply.

10. (obsolete) To visit.

adjective

1. Alternative spelling of appley.