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.
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
Forbes Finance Council is an invitation-only organization for executives in successful accounting, financial planning and wealth management firms.
—
Jeppe Rindom, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2025
Tina Pierce, of Idaho, to be Chief Financial Officer, Department of Energy
The Office of the Chief Financial Officer manages the department’s plans and policies related to finance and accounting, program analysis, and other areas.
—Ally Goelz, The Washington Examiner, 1 Aug. 2025
That is hugely significant, with the U.S. accounting for around a sixth of Switzerland’s total exports.
—Jenni Reid, CNBC, 1 Aug. 2025
The Host Committee in September first announced a total of $40,000 in grants to four Milwaukee-area organizations with the potential for more to come down the road once the committee completed its accounting.
—Alison Dirr, jsonline.com, 31 July 2025
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Jeppe Rindom, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2025
Tina Pierce, of Idaho, to be Chief Financial Officer, Department of Energy
The Office of the Chief Financial Officer manages the department’s plans and policies related to finance and accounting, program analysis, and other areas.
—Ally Goelz, The Washington Examiner, 1 Aug. 2025
That is hugely significant, with the U.S. accounting for around a sixth of Switzerland’s total exports.
—Jenni Reid, CNBC, 1 Aug. 2025
The Host Committee in September first announced a total of $40,000 in grants to four Milwaukee-area organizations with the potential for more to come down the road once the committee completed its accounting.
—Alison Dirr, jsonline.com, 31 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for accounting
Cite this Entry
“Accounting.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/accounting. Accessed 6 Aug. 2025.
Copy CitationKids 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
Case & Comment2
: the settlement by judicial action of the assets of a partnership (as upon dissolution)
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