accountant

1 of 2

noun

ac·​coun·​tant ə-ˈkau̇n-tᵊnt 

1

: one that gives an account or is accountable

2

: one who is skilled in the practice of accounting or who is in charge of public or private accounts

accountantship

ə-ˈkau̇n-tᵊn(t)-ˌship 

noun

accountant

2 of 2

adjective

obsolete

: subject to give account or liable to be called to account : accountable, answerable

I stand accountant for as great a sin …

—William Shakespeare

Examples of accountant in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

The traditional orphans’ court framework allows empathetic, civic-minded citizens from all walks of life — including medical professionals, educators, accountants and business leaders — to stand for election. — Eric Wargotz, Baltimore Sun, 3 Nov. 2026

Platte County Auditor The Platte County Auditor serves as the chief accountant, financial watchdog, and budget officer for the county. — The Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 3 Nov. 2026

Victor Henderson is an attorney and former certified public accountant who manages a law firm specializing in corporate litigation. — CBS News, 3 Nov. 2026

Specialist lawyers, accountants and producers were all closely involved in reforming the UK tax credit system, pointed out Boden. — Gavin J Blair, HollywoodReporter, 2 Nov. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English accomptaunt, accountant "official in charge of accounts," borrowed from Anglo-French acomptant, noun derivative of accountaunt, present participle of acunter, acompter "to account entry 2"

Adjective

Middle English accomptaunt, borrowed from Anglo-French accountaunt, from present participle of acunter, acompter "to account entry 2"

First Known Use

Noun

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing accountant

• certified public accountant
• chartered accountant
• cost accountant
• turf accountant

Kids Definition

accountant

noun

ac·​coun·​tant

ə-ˈkau̇nt-ᵊnt

: a person professionally trained in accounting