add
1 Americanverb (used with object)
-
to unite or join so as to increase the number, quantity, size, or importance.
to add two cups of sugar; to add a postscript to her letter;
to add insult to injury.
-
to find the sum of (often followed byup ).
Add this column of figures.
Add up the grocery bills.
-
to say or write further.
-
to include (usually followed byin ).
Don't forget to add in the tip.
verb (used without object)
noun
verb phrase
idioms
abbreviation
verb
-
to combine (two or more numbers or quantities) by addition
-
to increase (a number or quantity) by another number or quantity using addition
-
to join (something) to something else in order to increase the size, quantity, effect, or scope; unite (with)
to add insult to injury
-
to have an extra and increased effect (on)
her illness added to his worries
-
(tr) to say or write further
-
to include
noun
abbreviation
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
-
misaddverb
-
readdverb (used with object)
-
addableadjective
-
addibleadjective
-
unaddableadjective
-
unaddedadjective
-
unaddibleadjective
-
addedlyadverb
Inflected Forms
Participles
Conjugated Forms
Present
-
addsimple
-
addssimple
-
have addedperfect
-
has addedperfect
-
am addingprogressive
-
are addingprogressive
-
is addingprogressive
-
have been addingperfect progressive
-
has been addingperfect progressive
Past
-
addedsimple
-
had addedperfect
-
was addingprogressive
-
were addingprogressive
-
had been addingperfect progressive
Future
Etymology
Origin of add1
First recorded in 1325–75; Middle English adden, from Latin addere, equivalent to ad- ad- + -dere “to put” (combining form; see do 1)
Origin of ADD2
First recorded in 1975–80
Explanation
When you add, you join two or more things together. If you add on to your summer cottage, you build an extra room that's connected to your existing house. If your boss adds ten dollars to your paycheck, she gives you the money in addition to, or on top of, your salary. And when you add a column of numbers, you combine each one in the list until you get a final answer. You might verbally add something by making one last statement: "I'd like to add that I can't wait to visit again!" The Latin root is addere, "add to, join, or attach."
Vocabulary lists containing add
Number and Operations: Fractions
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
Operations and Algebraic Thinking
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
Measurement and Data
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
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.
See Examples For:
So, off the IL alone, the Dodgers are expecting to add two well-established starters, a closer, and a versatile position player in the second half.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 27, 2026
They forecast that each month where a deal isn’t reached will add at least $10 to the price of a barrel of oil.
From MarketWatch ● Jul. 27, 2026
Earlier this month, to much fanfare, the chip maker introduced American depositary receipts to add to its longstanding listing in Korea.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 26, 2026
It is part of a push by the country -- and others on the continent -- to add value domestically to raw materials to create jobs and lift export earnings.
From Barron's ● Jul. 26, 2026
I add the picture to my phone as the wallpaper.
From "Split the Sky" by Marie Arnold
![]()
Maybe, as certain people have suggested to me, we’re all a little ADD.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jan. 23, 2026
"Women are raised in a different way," DeGeneres says, before sharing a personal moment about growing up in a neglectful home, and having OCD and ADD.
From Salon ● Sep. 24, 2024
“I have ADD and I’m dyslexic, so learning a lot of dialogue was always very daunting,” said Saldaña in an interview prior to the start of the actors strike.
From Seattle Times ● Jul. 20, 2023
“I was diagnosed with ADD when I was in 9th grade after a couple of years of not knowing why I couldn’t keep up,” he said.
From Los Angeles Times ● May 23, 2023
Because of my ADD, I have done some wacky stuff in the past—where unfortunately, there were no standing ovations!
From "The Freedom Writers Diary" by The Freedom Writers
![]()
However, these methods could further weigh on final yields and keep profitability below its peers, he adds.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 27, 2026
Nearby, a handmade chandelier by artist Helen Stickler, decorated with vintage Swarovski crystals and beads, adds to what Weger describes as her “Candyland vibe.”
From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 27, 2026
The 10% dividend hike accelerates recent growth following a 4% rise last year and 3% the year before, he adds.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 27, 2026
It could face "fierce opposition" if that means people who would not have faced inheritance tax will now have their estates taxed, the paper adds.
From BBC ● Jul. 26, 2026
He adds, “I’m Ben. Like the clock in London. Menominee-Apache.”
From "Legendary Frybread Drive-In" by Cynthia Leitich Smith
![]()
Mixing old and new is important, she says, referring to the House of Hackney hollyhock pattern she recently added to the walls of the living room and bedrooms, as well as the dining room lampshade.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 27, 2026
"He was just a beautiful big man with a big personality, big sense of humour and everything about him was just lovable," she added.
From BBC ● Jul. 27, 2026
“Any family tree is going to be filled with colors,” Marshall added.
From Salon ● Jul. 27, 2026
“Do I recommend not getting involved? Yes,” she added, abdicating all responsibility for the safety of the neighborhood.
From Slate ● Jul. 27, 2026
But if the telephone was a boon, it was also a fresh risk—as was each added worker and connection.
From "The Hiding Place" by Corrie ten Boom
![]()
Plus, the largest regionals are already well on the road to adding more Wall Street-type activity to their businesses by acquiring midsize investment banks, for example.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 27, 2026
If this all sounds boring compared to adding Skubal to a rotation that’s full of star power when healthy, that’s by design.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 27, 2026
French firefighting authorities have blamed the phenomenon for the blazes near Bordeaux, adding that it had never before been seen in the country.
From BBC ● Jul. 27, 2026
"We know that climate change is adding more fuel to the fire," Hazen said.
From Barron's ● Jul. 27, 2026
She glanced at the clock, automatically adding three hours for Georgia time, wondering if she could squeeze in a video chat.
From "Caterpillar Summer" by Gillian McDunn
![]()
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.