# maths

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/maths
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. the study of numbers

noun · CEFR A2 · British English

the study of numbers, shapes, and calculations.

For teachers: the science of numbers and their operations, interrelations, combinations, and abstractions. Uncountable; treated as a singular noun despite the final 's'.

- I was never very good at maths when I was in primary school.
- The curriculum places a heavy emphasis on advanced maths, requiring students to master calculus before their final year of secondary education.

Usage: Always used with a singular verb (e.g., 'maths is...').

Teaching tip: This is the standard form in British, Australian, and New Zealand English. In American and Canadian English, the form 'math' is used instead.

## Examples

- I have a difficult maths test tomorrow morning.
- She decided to study advanced maths at university because she enjoyed solving complex equations in high school.
- While the basic principles of maths are introduced in primary school, the field encompasses highly abstract theories that underpin modern physics and computer science.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.