applying

1. To lay or place; to put (one thing to another)

   to apply cream to a rash

2. To put to use; to use or employ for a particular purpose, or in a particular case

   to apply funds to the repayment of a debt

3. To make use of, declare, or pronounce, as suitable, fitting, or relative

   We need to apply the skills we've learned to solve this problem

4. To put closely; to join; to engage and employ diligently, or with attention
5. To to address; to refer; generally used reflexively.
6. To submit oneself as a candidate (with the adposition "to" designating the recipient of the submission, and the adposition "for" designating the position).

   I recently applied to the tavern for a job as a bartender.

7. To pertain or be relevant to a specified individual or group.

   That rule only applies to foreigners.

8. To busy; to keep at work; to ply.
9. To visit.

noun

The act of applying; an application.