bookkeeping

noun

book·​keep·​ing ˈbu̇k-ˌkē-piŋ How to pronounce bookkeeping (audio)
1
: a branch of accounting that deals with the systematic classification, recording, and summarizing of business and financial transactions in books of account
2
: the act or practice of keeping books of account

Word History

First Known Use

1635, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of bookkeeping was in 1635

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Cite this Entry

“Bookkeeping.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bookkeeping. Accessed 14 Dec. 2025.

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