accounting

noun

ac·​count·​ing ə-ˈkau̇n-tiŋ 

1

: the system of recording and summarizing business and financial transactions and analyzing, verifying, and reporting the results

also : the principles and procedures of this system

studied accounting as a freshman

2

a

: work done in accounting or by accountants

b

: an instance of applied accounting or of the settling or presenting of accounts

3

: account sense 2

They were required to provide a detailed accounting of their actions.

Synonyms

• account
• argument
• case
• explanation
• rationale
• reason

Examples of accounting in a Sentence

what accounting can you give for your bizarre actions on the night in question?

Recent Examples on the Web

Louis Miu, who had come to New York in 1970 and put himself through college working at a Chinese restaurant in Bensonhurst, had founded an accounting firm, and was prominent in the city’s Chinese American business community. —Eric Lach, The New Yorker, 3 Feb. 2025

Diesel and jet fuel costs in particular will rise, according to Angie Gildea, the US energy sector lead at accounting firm KPMG. —David Goldman, CNN, 3 Feb. 2025

However, TVLine may receive a commission on orders placed through its retail links, and the retailer may receive certain auditable data for accounting purposes. —Claire Franken, TVLine, 2 Feb. 2025

Before his time in Michigan, La Margo spent several years working in Illinois, including as chief deputy director of accounting revenue for the Secretary of State. —Alan Kozeluh, Chicago Tribune, 30 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English acountynge "reckoning, calculation," from gerund of accounten "to account entry 2"

First Known Use

1703, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing accounting

• cost accounting
• there's no accounting for taste

Kids Definition

accounting

noun

ac·​count·​ing ə-ˈkau̇nt-iŋ 

1

: the system or practice of recording the amounts of money made and spent by a person or business

2

: a statement explaining one's conduct : account sense 5a

Legal Definition

accounting

noun

ac·​count·​ing

1

: an often court-ordered presentment or examination of accounts

a complete accounting would be necessary to determine the nature of the expenditures

—Case & Comment

2

: the settlement by judicial action of the assets of a partnership (as upon dissolution)