app

¹

[ ap ]

noun

1. Digital Technology. a software application, often a small, specialized program for mobile devices:

   You’ll find numerous free photo editing apps in the app store on your smartphone.

   The word processing app that comes with the laptop isn’t adequate for our publishing needs.

2. an application; a form to be filled out by an applicant:

   I'm working on my college apps.

app

²

[ ap ]

noun

1. Informal. an appetizer served before a meal.

app.

³

abbreviation for

1. apparatus.
2. apparent.
3. appendix.
4. applied.
5. appointed.
6. approved.
7. approximate.

app

/ æp /

noun

1. informal.
   computing short for application program

Word History and Origins

Origin of app¹

First recorded in 1985–90; shortening of application ( def )

Origin of app²

By shortening

Example Sentences

James - not his real name - first joined Snapchat when he was 10, after a classmate suggested everyone in their friendship group get the app.

From BBC

She also alleged that employees of the agency bad-mouthed NewJeans on internal communication app and asked a journalist to downplay the group's record sales in one article.

From BBC

Bluesky started as a research project at Twitter, but after Musk’s takeover it severed all ties with the company and launched as a social app in February 2023.

From Science Magazine

BBC InDepth is the new home on the website and app for the best analysis and expertise from our top journalists.

From BBC

Enter your phone number and we'll text you a link to set up the podcast in your app:

From Slate

Related Words

• program
• software