debit

1 of 2

verb

deb·​it ˈde-bət 

debited; debiting; debits

transitive verb

: to enter upon the debit side of an account : charge with a debit

debit

2 of 2

noun

1

a

: a record of an indebtedness

specifically : an entry on the left-hand side of an account constituting an addition to an expense or asset account or a deduction from a revenue, net worth, or liability account

b

: the sum of the items entered as debits

2

: a charge against a bank deposit account

3

: drawback, shortcoming

Synonyms of debit

Noun

• disadvantage
• handicap
• liability
• minus

Examples of debit in a Sentence

Verb

The bank mistakenly debited my account $200!

Your account will automatically be debited for the amount of your insurance bill every month.

Noun

I forgot to enter some of the debits in my bank account register.

The account's credits were added and the debits subtracted.

a $30 debit for groceries

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

The plan would issue a credential like a monthly pass, then debit the hourly cost from a driver’s account. —Mark Dee march 9, Idaho Statesman, 9 Mar. 2026

Also no longer accepted under the bill: debit or credit cards and retirement center, neighborhood association or public assistance identification. —Anthony Man, Sun Sentinel, 25 Feb. 2026

Noun

Officials searched the vehicle and seized it, finding the victim’s driver’s license and Social Security card, as well as five debit or credit cards in the victim’s name, the plea agreement said. —Sharon Bernstein, Sacbee.com, 28 Apr. 2026

Illustrations from court documents show how credit and debit transactions move through the system and how interchange fees are applied. —Jerry Nowicki, CBS News, 15 Apr. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Latin debitum debt

First Known Use

Verb

1668, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1746, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing debit

• debit card
• direct debit
• on the debit side

Kids Definition

debit

1 of 2 verb

deb·​it ˈdeb-ət 

: to enter as a debit : charge with or as a debt

debit

2 of 2 noun

: an entry in an account representing an amount paid out or owed