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.

---

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

---

accounting Cultural  

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

---

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

It means that the asset avoids probate — a public accounting of your estate.

From MarketWatch ● Sep. 3, 2026

The accounting giant says the buildout of artificial intelligence differs from the development of railways and the internet because of its scale and spending growth.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 2, 2026

In addition to her share of Tea Shop’s profits on “Obsession,” Darby is seeking a full accounting for several projects as well as unpaid wages, expenses and relief for retaliation.

From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 2, 2026

"Syria has taken measures to remedy the situation by providing to the agency the required nuclear material accounting reports and design information" for the facilities, the report said.

From Barron's ● Sep. 1, 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