diff --git a/Makefile.include b/Makefile.include
index 8e1854f7b2..5cb929ea09 100644
--- a/Makefile.include
+++ b/Makefile.include
@@ -22,6 +22,7 @@ else
 endif
 
 BOARD := $(strip $(BOARD))
+APPLICATION := $(strip $(APPLICATION))
 
 # provide common external programs for `Makefile.include`s