applications package: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Technical, Business, Formal
Quick answer
What does “applications package” mean?
A collection of integrated computer software programs designed for a specific, related purpose, distributed as a single unit for users or businesses.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A collection of integrated computer software programs designed for a specific, related purpose, distributed as a single unit for users or businesses.
A software suite or bundled set of related applications that work together. In business contexts, it often refers to a comprehensive set of tools purchased or licensed as one product to handle a range of tasks (e.g., an office suite, an accounting package).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Both varieties use the term. In American technical/business writing, 'application package' (singular 'application') is slightly more common, while British English slightly prefers the plural 'applications package'. The difference is minor.
Connotations
Neutral technical term in both. No significant connotative difference.
Frequency
Low-frequency in general discourse, but standard in IT, business procurement, and software development contexts. Its usage has declined somewhat with the rise of cloud-based 'suites' and 'platforms'.
Grammar
How to Use “applications package” in a Sentence
The company [VERB: purchased/licensed/installed/uses] an applications package [PREP: for] accounting.The [ADJ: integrated/business] applications package [VERB: includes/features/contains] [OBJECT: word processing and spreadsheet software].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “applications package” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The IT department will package the applications for deployment.
American English
- We need to package these applications together for the new client.
adverb
British English
- The software is sold package-free, allowing you to choose individual components. (Derived, rare)
American English
- [No standard adverbial form for this compound noun.]
adjective
British English
- The package deal included applications software and hardware support.
American English
- We're looking for a package solution for our office needs.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Common when discussing procurement of software for office productivity, accounting, or enterprise resource planning (ERP). E.g., 'We need to evaluate the new business applications package.'
Academic
Used in computer science, information systems, or business studies when discussing software architecture, procurement, or history of software development.
Everyday
Rare. A tech-savvy user might say, 'I got a new applications package with my computer.' More likely, 'I got Microsoft Office.'
Technical
Standard term in IT documentation, software reviews, and system requirements. E.g., 'The server must support the deployment of the applications package.'
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “applications package”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “applications package”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “applications package”
- Using 'applications packet' (incorrect spelling).
- Using it to refer to a single application (e.g., 'This photo editor is a great applications package').
- Confusing with 'software library' (which is for developers).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, they are largely synonymous. 'Software suite' or 'application suite' are perhaps more modern and common, but 'applications package' is perfectly correct, especially in business/IT procurement contexts.
Often, yes. In context, people might just say 'applications' or 'software'. However, 'package' emphasizes that it is a bundled, single-unit product. Saying 'We bought a new accounting package' is common.
No, but it is most common in that domain. It can refer to any bundled set, like a graphics applications package (containing photo editing, illustration, etc.) or an educational applications package.
Less so. The term implies a discrete product that is 'packaged' and installed. Cloud software is often described as a 'platform', 'suite', or 'service' (SaaS). You might still hear 'applications package' for on-premises or licensed software.
A collection of integrated computer software programs designed for a specific, related purpose, distributed as a single unit for users or businesses.
Applications package is usually technical, business, formal in register.
Applications package: in British English it is pronounced /ˌæp.lɪˈkeɪ.ʃənz ˈpæk.ɪdʒ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌæp.ləˈkeɪ.ʃənz ˈpæk.ɪdʒ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Out of the box (referring to the ready-to-use nature of a purchased applications package).”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a 'care package' sent to a student. An APPLICATIONS PACKAGE is a 'software care package' sent to a computer user, containing everything they need for a set of related tasks.
Conceptual Metaphor
SOFTWARE IS A PRODUCT (packaged, sold, installed). A SET OF TOOLS IS A PACKAGE (a bundled, contained unit).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the term 'applications package' LEAST likely to be used?