The term "cloud-native" in application development refers to creating and running applications that fully leverage the advantages of cloud computing. This approach typically involves using microservices, containers, and serverless architectures, allowing for greater scalability, resilience, and faster deployment cycles. Cloud-native applications are designed for dynamic environments and are easier to manage and scale in response to changes in demand. Developers often utilize DevOps practices to enhance collaboration between development and operations, ultimately leading to quicker releases and improved application performance.