expense account

American  

noun

1. an account of business expenditures, as travel, hotel room, meals, and entertainment connected with work, for which an employee will be reimbursed by an employer.

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expense account British  

noun

1. an arrangement by which expenses incurred in the course of a person's work are refunded by his employer or deducted from his income for tax purposes

2. a record of such expenses

3. informal (modifier) paid for by an employer or by money allowable against tax

   an expense-account lunch

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expense account Cultural  

1. An account or list of expenses incurred in doing business outside the office, part of which is a tax deduction. The term often applies to lunches or dinners at which business deals are made and clients entertained.

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Etymology

Origin of expense account

First recorded in 1870–75

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

expense account

But if you’ve got money to burn or a bottomless expense account, what a sweet, sweet way to travel.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 15, 2026

That was too pricey for me and my expense account, so I booked a roomette.

From Los Angeles Times ● Dec. 9, 2025

He could exasperate editors with his strongly held opinions and his prodigal ways with an expense account.

From New York Times ● Jun. 6, 2024

When it did not, the bill was paid through the governor’s $95,000 annual expense account.

From Seattle Times ● Nov. 1, 2023

He almost fainted when he saw how big their expense account was.

From "The Ear, the Eye, and the Arm" by Nancy Farmer

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