[+ obj] 1 : to write on an envelope, package, letter, etc., the name and address of the person or business it is being sent to ▪ I've addressed the letter, but it still needs a stamp. ▪ The package is sealed; it just needs to be addressed. ▪ We spent the afternoon addressing invitations to all our friends. ▪ The letter was returned because it had been addressed incorrectly.
2 a : to speak to (a person or group) ▪ She ignored most of the people at the table, addressing only the man who was sitting next to her. ▪ One of the characters addresses the audience directly throughout the play. b : to use a specified name or title when speaking or writing to (someone) —+ as ▪ As children, we addressed him as “sir” [=we called him “sir”] even though he was only a few years older than us. ▪ You should address the queen as “Your Majesty.” c : to direct (spoken or written words) to someone ▪ She addressed her comments to the man [=she spoke to the man] who was sitting next to her. ▪ Most of the speaker's remarks were addressed to those with experience in the industry.
3 : to give a formal speech to (a group of people) ▪ Before the awards were given, the mayor addressed the crowd.
4 formal : to give attention to (something) : to deal with (a matter, issue, problem, etc.) ▪ We're all curious about how the mayor plans to address the issue. ▪ Air pollution is one of the many problems being addressed by the scientists at the conference. ▪ The principal held a meeting to address the students' concerns. ◊If you address yourself to an issue or problem you give your attention to it. ▪ The governor is addressing himself to the problem of underfunded schools.