Debit
Definition
A debit is an entry on the left side of a journal entry. Debits increase asset and expense accounts, and decrease liability, equity, and revenue accounts.
Example
A business buys $200 of office supplies with cash. The entry debits (increases) Office Supplies Expense by $200 and credits (decreases) Cash by $200.
Why It Matters
Knowing which accounts increase and decrease with debits is essential for building correct journal entries.