auditor

American  

[aw-di-ter] / ˈɔ dɪ tər /

noun

1. a person appointed and authorized to examine accounts and accounting records, compare the charges with the vouchers, verify balance sheet and income items, and state the result.

2. a university student registered for a course without credit and without obligation to do work assigned to the class.

3. a hearer; listener.

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auditor British  

/ ˈɔːdɪtə /

noun

1. a person qualified to audit accounts

2. a person who hears or listens

3. a registered student who attends a class that is not an official part of his course of study, without actively participating it

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Other Word Forms

• auditorial adjective
• auditorship noun
• subauditor noun
• superauditor noun

Etymology

Origin of auditor

First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English auditour, from Anglo-French, from Latin audītor “hearer,” from audī(re) “to hear” + -tor -tor

Explanation

An auditor is someone who inspects accounting records. Don’t cheat on your taxes, or an auditor might come and check your figures. An auditor is also an attentive listener. That kind is usually more fun. The word auditor is Latin for “hearer.” This word still applies to someone who listens closely, but it also refers to a kind of accountant who checks the financial records of other people, usually to make sure nothing illegal is going on. If the Internal Revenue Service demands an audit, an auditor will go over your financial records with a fine-toothed comb. This process used to be done verbally, so both kinds of auditors need good hearing.

Example Sentences

I was embarrassed at having overlooked the multiple red flags Webb identified, from related-party transactions to high auditor turnover.

From Barron's • Apr. 7, 2026

The third-generation Iowa-based auditor has to review and verify the financials compiled by his clients, largely agricultural businesses.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 7, 2026

The state auditor estimated that the county’s hospice agencies likely overbilled Medicare by $105 million in 2019 alone.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 24, 2026

Option A—full transparency to a certified auditor, lighter compliance requirements, and no penalties unless harm is documented.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 20, 2026

My dad is an auditor for a big accounting firm.

From "Finding Junie Kim" by Ellen Oh

Related Words

• accountant
• actuary
• bookkeeper