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

After accounting for age, sex, high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease and other relevant factors, the researchers found a clear difference between the intake groups.

From Science Daily ● Jul. 18, 2026

Her lot rent has nearly doubled since moving in, even accounting for inflation.

From BBC ● Jul. 18, 2026

But rather than make an accounting of his career—you can find those here—let’s talk about his final project.

From Slate ● Jul. 18, 2026

“It doesn’t make a difference who wins the game. The IRS will get a piece,” said Robert Raiola, director of the sports and entertainment group at the accounting and tax advisory firm PKF O’Connor Davies.

From MarketWatch ● Jul. 17, 2026

At first Tessie had given an honest accounting of her days.

From "Middlesex: A Novel" by Jeffrey Eugenides

Related Words

• bookkeeping
• computing