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

: 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 accountant was assigned to perform a wide variety of fiscal duties including reviewing allowable costs. —Joe Rubin, Sacbee.com, 9 June 2025

Problem solved — if the problem was making accountants dizzy. —Alex Pavlak, Baltimore Sun, 8 June 2025

The film tells the story of Charles Krantz, a dance-loving accountant who tragically dies from a brain tumor at 39. —Ashley Boucher, EW.com, 7 June 2025

The film, which Neon is releasing in theaters on June 6, is buoyed by a remarkable ensemble that includes Chiwetel Ejiofor, Karen Gillan and several talented young actors sharing the role of the titular accountant. —Jenelle Riley, Variety, 5 June 2025

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