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 documents show details for only one part of Phoenix’s portfolio, and do not include assets in retirement accounts or stakes held in companies through mutual funds, corporate bonds and other securities, the accountants confirmed. — Allegra Goodwin, CNN Money, 1 Oct. 2026

As such, the accountant moves from being the scorekeeper to someone who also helps shape the game plan. — Bas Kniphorst, Forbes.com, 29 Sep. 2026

The cleanup project has cost about $180 million as of August, according to Herb Donica, a bankruptcy attorney and accountant who is overseeing the work. — Ryan Ballogg, Miami Herald, 28 Sep. 2026

Brunson plays a rapper justifying paying everyone in his entourage to his accountant (Padilla). — Rima Parikh, Vulture, 27 Sep. 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