To add means to combine numbers or amounts to find their total. When you add 5 and 3, you get 8. When you add up the points you scored in a game, you're calculating how many you earned altogether.

In math class, addition is often the first operation you learn, using the plus sign (+). But adding happens everywhere: A baker adds ingredients to make a cake. A librarian adds new books to the shelves. A coach adds another player to the team.

The word also means to say something more, contributing to a conversation or situation. After your friend finishes describing their weekend, you might add that you had a similar experience. When a teacher adds comments to your essay, they're including extra thoughts alongside your original work.

Related words show different aspects of adding: An addition is something that's been added (like a new addition to your house). Additional means extra or more (like getting additional time to finish a test). When quantities are additive, they build on each other rather than working separately.

Notice that adding can make something bigger or more complete, whether you're adding numbers, ingredients, ideas, or new members to a group.