audit

[ aw-dit ]

noun

1. an official examination and verification of accounts and records, especially of financial accounts.
2. a report or statement reflecting an audit; a final statement of account.
3. the inspection or examination of a building or other facility to evaluate or improve its appropriateness, safety, efficiency, or the like:

   An energy audit can suggest ways to reduce home fuel bills.

4. Archaic. a judicial hearing.
5. Obsolete. an audience.

verb (used with object)

1. to make an audit of; examine (accounts, records, etc.) for purposes of verification:

   The accountants audited the company's books at the end of the fiscal year.

2. to attend (classes, lectures, etc.) as an auditor.
3. to make an audit of (a building or other facility) to evaluate or improve its safety, efficiency, or the like.

verb (used without object)

1. to examine and verify an account or accounts by reference to vouchers.

audit

/ ˈɔːdɪt /

noun

1. 1. an inspection, correction, and verification of business accounts, conducted by an independent qualified accountant
   2. ( as modifier )

      audit report

2. an audited account
3. any thoroughgoing check or examination
4. archaic.
   a hearing

verb

1. to inspect, correct, and certify (accounts, etc)
2. to attend (classes, etc) as an auditor

audit

1. The examination by an outside party of the accounts of an individual or corporation .

Other Words From

• audit·a·ble adjective
• re·audit noun verb
• un·audit·ed adjective
• well-audit·ed adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of audit¹

First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English audite, from Latin audītus “the sense or act of hearing,” noun derivative of audīre “to hear”

Word History and Origins

Origin of audit¹

C15: from Latin audītus a hearing, from audīre to hear

Example Sentences

A 2020 California audit noted that the Los Angeles Police Department, Fresno Police Department, Marin County Sheriff’s Office and the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Department improperly stored images of vehicles that were not part of a police investigation.

From Los Angeles Times

So don’t expect this duo to magically be able to get an actual Pentagon audit through.

From Slate

The government has commissioned an environmental audit of the impact of the oil industry, but the results are yet to be made public more than a year later than expected.

From BBC

According to the National Audit Office, the UK has committed nearly £8 billion to Ukraine - air defence missiles, drones, cruise missiles, tanks and ships, as well as clothing and personal equipment.

From BBC

Mr Sutherland stood down from his role at the watchdog last year within hours of a separate Audit Scotland report which detailed lavish spending at the public body.

From BBC

Related Words

• analyze
• examine
• investigate
• scrutinize
• verify