audit

American  

[aw-dit] / ˈɔ dɪt /

noun

1. an official examination and verification of accounts and records, especially of financial accounts.

2. a report or statement reflecting an audit; a final statement of account.

3. the inspection or examination of a building or other facility to evaluate or improve its appropriateness, safety, efficiency, or the like.

   An energy audit can suggest ways to reduce home fuel bills.

4. Archaic. a judicial hearing.

5. Obsolete. an audience.

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verb (used with object)

1. to make an audit of; examine (accounts, records, etc.) for purposes of verification.

   The accountants audited the company's books at the end of the fiscal year.

2. to attend (classes, lectures, etc.) as an auditor.

3. to make an audit of (a building or other facility) to evaluate or improve its safety, efficiency, or the like.

verb (used without object)

1. to examine and verify an account or accounts by reference to vouchers.

audit British  

/ ˈɔːdɪt /

noun

1. 1. an inspection, correction, and verification of business accounts, conducted by an independent qualified accountant

   2. ( as modifier )

      audit report

2. an audited account

3. any thoroughgoing check or examination

4. archaic a hearing

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verb

1. to inspect, correct, and certify (accounts, etc)

2. to attend (classes, etc) as an auditor

audit Cultural  

1. The examination by an outside party of the accounts of an individual or corporation.

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Other Word Forms

• auditable adjective
• reaudit noun
• unaudited adjective
• well-audited adjective

Etymology

Origin of audit

First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English audite, from Latin audītus “the sense or act of hearing,” noun derivative of audīre “to hear”

Example Sentences

Based in New York, she writes about auditing, pensions and corporate finance and governance.

From The Wall Street Journal

Kontigo’s main public cryptocurrency wallet, which the company lists on its website to allow anyone to “audit,” shows little to no activity in the past few days.

From The Wall Street Journal

The union recently produced audits going back to 2020, and the records show that its finances haven’t always received a clean slate by its official independent auditor.

From The Wall Street Journal

But an April 2025 audit report by Panama’s comptroller found irregularities—including alleged nonpayment of fees—that might have cost Panama hundreds of millions of dollars.

From The Wall Street Journal

It may find deductions or credits you overlooked, catch an error on your tax return or spot a red flag that could lead to an audit.

From Barron's

Related Words

• analysis
• check
• examination
• investigation
• review
• scrutiny
• survey
• verification