adds; added; adding
1
a
: to put (something) with another thing or group of things
She's planning to add some new flowers to the garden.
The company is adding over 200 jobs this year.
This winter, he added skiing to his list of favorite sports.
b
: to mix or combine (an ingredient) with other ingredients
Add (in) a little more salt and pepper.
I added (in) just a dash/pinch of flour.
Add one cup of sugar to the mixture.
Next, add the remaining butter to the pan.
c
: to include (something) with something else
It took us four hours to get there, if you add (in) the time we stopped to eat.
2
: to cause something to have (a usually good quality or characteristic)
In this dish, fresh herbs add lots of color and flavor.
As an employee, she will add [=bring] great value to your company.
We can help you add excitement to your vacation.
The historical details add depth/richness/weight to his story.
She adds a certain amount of experience and authority to the project.
3
: to put (two or more numbers or amounts) together to find a total or sum
When you add three and/to seven, you get ten.
Add these three numbers together.
schoolchildren learning how to add [=to perform addition] and subtract
4
: to say or write (something more or extra)
That's all I have to say. Do you have anything (else/more) to add? = Is there anything (else/more) you would like to add?
"They all went to the bar," he said. "But I didn't go with them," he quickly added.
He was quick to add that he didn't go with them. = He hastened to add that he didn't go with them.
It was a long project and, I might add, an expensive one.
attention deficit disorder
Cite this Entry
“Add.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/add. Accessed 18 Jun. 2026.
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