A device for applying glue to the cut leading end of a veneer sheet which is applicable to use in a veneer jointing apparatus is disclosed herein. The device has hold-down means for holding the veneer sheet adjacent its cut leading end against a support surface on which a glue deposit is formed previously along a line across the veneer feeding direction, so that the end is straightened against said support surface at least while the glue is picked up by the cut surface on the moving leading end. It is so controlled that said holding means is shifted to its holding position before the cut leading end of the veneer sheet reaches the glue deposit and also that it is shifted away from the holding position only after the glue has been picked up by the cut leading end.