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 Word Forms

• 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

The issues were found during a “routine audit” of an immigrant student database connected to the Department of Homeland Security, he said.

From Los Angeles Times

Finally, Carroll told him he had put in the work and he could audit the course.

From Los Angeles Times

In response to critical audits, she has repeatedly acknowledged its flaws, and characterized her mission as one of reforming problems that she inherited from prior administrations.

From Los Angeles Times

Inspector general offices routinely conduct independent investigations and audits of federal agencies, and look into possible security breaches.

From BBC

He declined to do that but, in place of sanctions, pressured the city to pay for an outside audit of its accounting for billions of dollars it has spent on homeless services.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• analyze
• examine
• investigate
• scrutinize
• verify