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

“Don’t worry,” replied another user on Xiaohongshu, a Chinese photo and video sharing app similar to Instagram.

From Los Angeles Times

He opened the Spotify app on one of his phones and typed in the search box.

From Los Angeles Times

But shifting away from its speedy delivery and returns options to echo the practices of increasingly popular Temu and Shein apps would allow them to follow in their footsteps by cutting prices, she said.

From BBC

Golden’s No. 1 red flag on apps: if someone has a problem with her being a comic.

From Los Angeles Times

Shows that play on the app will be available for free on Amazon’s Prime Video service even if a viewer does not pay for a subscription.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• program
• software