How sum across tabs referencing row labels?

I would like to average values from a cell in one row in each of six tabs which differ slightly in position but all have an identical label and column. E.g. in a lead sheet I want to find the average of "Meals" that could be row 32 in one tab but row 38 in another -- always column X and the label is always in column Y, say.
Were there the same number of rows in each tab I could create one cell in the lead sheet, =(average(Tab1![Meals_cell],Tab2![Meals_cell], etc.)), then copy it into different rows to get averages of "Meals", "Rent", etc. Having never graduated to Access or Pivot Tables, this is how I still think of Excel.
Way back when I believe this was what we did with 'HLookup' or something, but it's been decades since I've had to even think about that! Big thanks in advance.

Ah, Glenn, I'm beginning to think =Index(Match()) will do it, based on reading the 12/2/05 Cellzman post listed below; but I'd welcome your guidance and not just because I'm a bit lazy -- I can't recall ever using that formula before. THANK you for reaching out!

Originally Posted by Glenn Kennedy

Have you upgraded to O365 yet? If so which VERSION number are you using?

No, Glenn, I'm using Home & Student 2021, Excel version 2301 (Build 16026.20146 Click-to-Run). KCW

I regret 'hiding' a further problem in my spreadsheet, Glenn, as if you weren't already working rather above & beyond to help me!
I've had a couple of scrambles get in the way of implementing your solution but have that on a front burner and will report back asap. Most gratefully yours, KCW