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

Kim Farrington, an accountant who has touted her work reforming federal spending to save taxpayer dollars, highlights tackling the national debt and rooting out waste, fraud, and abuse as her top priority. — Molly Parks, The Washington Examiner, 1 Aug. 2026

The role of this fractional or family office CFO is not to replace the existing estate attorney, accountant or money manager. — Chris Kelly, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026

Coleman was the best player in the transfer portal last offseason; Texas’ accountant probably agrees. — Nick Baumgardner, New York Times, 31 July 2026

During the visit, at least three senior Haitian government officials, including the chiefs of staff at the defense and education ministries and an accountant in the planning ministry, were among the latest victims of gang kidnappings. — Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 31 July 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