app

UK: æp | US: æp

Definition

  1. n. (informal) short for "application," referring to a software program designed for a specific purpose, typically used on mobile devices or computers.

Structure
app <shortened form of "application">
Etymology

The word "app" is a clipped form of "application," which originally derives from the Latin applicatio (a joining, attaching). In computing, "application" referred to a program designed to perform specific tasks for users. With the rise of smartphones, the term was shortened to "app" for brevity and colloquial ease, popularized by Apple's "App Store" in 2008. The truncation reflects tech culture's tendency toward minimalism and efficiency in language.

Examples

  1. I downloaded a fitness app to track my workouts.

  2. This app helps you learn languages faster.

  3. The weather app predicts rain tomorrow.

  4. Developers are launching a new app for online shopping.

  5. My phone has too many apps—I need to delete some.