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

Throughout the decision, Copeland took issue with some of Sami’s tax records — even though he has a degree in accounting, she noted.

From MarketWatch ● Aug. 25, 2026

Another drag in the latest quarter is an accounting shift involving one of Crocs’s largest U.S. marketplace partners, analysts said.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 24, 2026

Studies that follow children across several developmental stages can help identify periods when screen exposure may be especially important while also accounting more effectively for family and environmental factors.

From Science Daily ● Aug. 24, 2026

After accounting for £160 a month in storage costs, Atherton says he lives on £4 a day.

From BBC ● Aug. 22, 2026

Do I really think we should stop accounting for everything?

From "The Joy Luck Club" by Amy Tan

Related Words

• bookkeeping
• computing