plural noun
The results you get when you add numbers or amounts.
The sums of 8 and 12 and 5 and 7 are 20 and 12.
Check the sums before you submit the answers.
American English
How to pronounce sums
noun · verbB1Common word
SUHMZ
/səmz/
One syllable.
Form of sum
For arithmetic exercises, American English usually says math problems rather than sums.
The results you get when you add numbers or amounts.
Practice out loudMeanings & examples
plural noun
Amounts of money, especially large amounts.
The sums involved were too large for a small charity.
The two sums were paid in cash.
third-person singular verb
Adds numbers together to get a total.
The calculator sums the numbers automatically.
She sums the costs before making a decision.
Good to know
In everyday English, add is more common for this action.
Useful expressions
To give the main points briefly or state the conclusion.
To sum up, the plan is too expensive.
Related words & forms
The final consonant doubles before -ed and -ing: summed, summing.