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Definitions

math

[math] / mæθ /
ADJECTIVE
mathematical
Synonyms
STRONGEST
analytical numerical scientific
WEAK
algebraic algorithmic arithmetical computative geometrical measurable trigonometric
NOUN
mathematics
Synonyms
STRONGEST
algebra calculation calculus geometry
STRONG
addition division figures multiplication numbers subtraction trigonometry
Antonyms
STRONG
decrease reduction subtraction

Frequently Asked Questions

What is another word for math?
The word math comes from a shortening of mathematics. This is often what math is formally called when it’s a school subject. In the U.K. and other places, it’s shortened to maths. (See more about this in the next two sections.) The type of math you learn early in school—addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division—is sometimes called arithmetic. It all starts with basic counting, but there are many branches of math, including algebra, geometry, and trigonometry, and calculus. The word calculus is also sometimes used in a general way to mean calculation, and the word math can also be used in this way. The word math is also used in other general ways. If you say the math doesn’t add up, it means something’s not right with the numbers (figures, values, totals, tally, etc.).
What is math short for?
Math is short for mathematics.
Is it math or maths?
In the U.S. and Canada, the school subject is commonly called math. In the U.K. and some other places, it’s called maths. To people who use the word math, it may seem strange to put an s on the end, since it’s a single subject, but there are plenty of reasons why it makes sense: it’s short for mathematics, there are several different branches of mathematics, and other school subjects also end with s, such as physics.
What is another way to say do the math?
To do the math is to do the calculation, computation, or reckoning. This can be used in a literal way, meaning to literally calculate the sum or total. But it’s also often used in a figurative way meaning to figure something out based on the available information. The expression add things up can mean the same thing.

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Days before school was out for summer in 1985, Escondido High School math teacher Bart Schwartz, then 28, used a spare two hours during finals week to squeeze in a film screening with his class.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 13, 2026

While the form shows Weedbrook owning more than 46 million shares, the math gets a bit complicated.

From Barron's • Apr. 9, 2026

Infiniti: I was in math class at school — and that’s extra terrifying because I was really bad at math.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 8, 2026

But by waiting until her children were out of college and some of her stock grants had vested, the math worked.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 7, 2026

Max paused and studied the sky, like you looked to the classroom ceiling for hope during a math pop quiz.

From "Legendary Frybread Drive-In" by Cynthia Leitich Smith