Definition

Noun: A computer program designed to perform a specific task or set of tasks for the user. It is a type of software that provides tools and functionality to accomplish practical work, as opposed to system software that manages the computer's basic operations.

Usage

An application program is software you use to get work done, create content, or be entertained. It is often simply called an "application" or "app."

Examples

• Noun:
  • Microsoft Word and Adobe Photoshop are common application programs for writing and photo editing.
  • To complete his project, he needed to install a specialized application program for data analysis.
  • The new application program provides users with powerful tools for managing their finances.

Advanced Usage

• "Desktop application program": A traditional application installed and run directly on a personal computer's operating system.
  • The desktop application program offers more features than its web-based version.
• "Enterprise application program": A large-scale application designed to meet the needs of an organization rather than individual users.
  • The company invested in a new enterprise application program for customer relationship management.

Variants and Related Words

• Application (n): The common, shortened form of "application program."
  • I downloaded a new fitness application on my phone.
• App (n): A very common, informal shortening, especially for mobile and small-scale software.
  • There's an app for checking the bus schedule.
• Software Application (n): A synonymous phrase emphasizing the software nature of the program.
  • The IT department reviews all new software applications.

Synonyms

• Software Program: A program or set of programs that tell a computer what to do.
• End-User Program: Software designed for the final user to accomplish tasks.

Related Phrases

• Application Software: The category of software that includes all application programs.
  • Application software includes everything from web browsers to video games.*
• Application Suite: A collection of related application programs distributed together.
  • The office application suite includes a word processor, spreadsheet, and presentation program.

Noun

1. a program that gives a computer instructions that provide the user with tools to accomplish a task
   • he has tried several different word processing applications