Showing results for "accounting"

• present participle of account.

accounting

American  

[uh-koun-ting] / əˈkaʊn tɪŋ /

noun

1. the theory and system of setting up, maintaining, and auditing the books of a firm; art of analyzing the financial position and operating results of a business house from a study of its sales, purchases, overhead, etc. (distinguished from bookkeeping).

2. a detailed report of the financial state or transactions of a person or entity.

   an accounting of the estate.

3. the rendering or submission of such a report.

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accounting British  

/ əˈkaʊntɪŋ /

noun

1. 1. the skill or practice of maintaining and auditing accounts and preparing reports on the assets, liabilities, etc, of a business

   2. ( as modifier )

      an accounting period

      accounting entity

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accounting Cultural  

1. The system of recording and auditing business transactions. (See audit.)

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Etymology

Origin of accounting

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English; account + -ing ¹

Explanation

Accounting is the act of computing something, usually by dealing with numbers. If you were very good at math in high school, you might think about going into accounting. You can see the word count within accounting, which is one way to remember that the word has to do with keeping track of numbers — usually in relation to financial transactions. Balancing your checkbook is a form of accounting. Large firms often hire accountants to keep track of their earnings and spending. Accounting can also more generally mean explaining. Someone who decides to wear shorts to the prom is likely going to have some serious accounting to do!

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

accounting

The group said the Lakers are on track to generate $681 million in revenue in 2026, with ticketing and media rights accounting for the largest share.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 18, 2026

After accounting for taxes, this family would have just 10% of gross income left for all of their other spending, including “wants” and investing for retirement.

From MarketWatch ● Sep. 15, 2026

Grass phytoliths dominated the samples, accounting for as much as 97% of the total.

From Science Daily ● Sep. 15, 2026

Citi’s analysts observe that cards and payments remain important fee pools for the country’s banks, accounting for 12% of industry fees through household credit cards.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 14, 2026

Bobby’s mother earned an online degree after her children got older and now works in accounting.

From "Drama High" by Michael Sokolove

Related Words

• bookkeeping
• computing