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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.

Havens was also going to start a nonprofit organization called Math Haven to make math more accessible to the public and students in high school.

From Slate • May 2, 2026

Kitani has 999 career coaching victories and has two opportunities to reach 1,000 with games against Bishop Gorman on Friday at Mater Dei and Hawthorne Math & Science Magnet on Saturday at Harbor College.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 23, 2026

When she dropped out to start Axiom Math, she raised $64 million, poached a handful of Meta’s AI researchers—and hired her mentor.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 4, 2025

The Math Act requires the agency to “show its work” in its error notices, including the category of mistake it found, its location on the return, and an itemized breakdown of the new assessment.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 14, 2025

It was always a relief v/hen Math class started.

From "Red Scarf Girl: A Memoir of the Cultural Revolution" by Ji-li Jiang