DictionaryapplicationComputer program
noun

application

A computer program designed for a particular user task.

The designer opens an application for editing photographs on her laptop.

Etymology

The root concerns bringing something to bear on a purpose. In computing, an application is software that puts the machine’s capabilities to work on a particular user task.

More examples

  • This application works without an internet connection.
  • The phone includes several useful applications.
  • He updates the application before opening the project.

Forms

application · applications

Similar words

app
A common shortened form, especially for mobile software.
program
A broader term that includes software without a user-facing task.