citation

noun

ci·​ta·​tion sī-ˈtā-shən How to pronounce citation (audio)
1
: an official summons to appear (as before a court)
2
a
: an act of quoting
especially : the citing of a previously settled case at law
b
: excerpt, quotation
His homily included several biblical citations.
3
: mention: such as
a
: a formal statement of the achievements of a person receiving an academic honor
b
: specific reference in a military dispatch to meritorious performance of duty
a citation for bravery
citational
sī-ˈtā-shnəl How to pronounce citation (audio)
-shə-nᵊl
adjective
Choose the Right Synonym for citation

encomium, eulogy, panegyric, tribute, citation mean a formal expression of praise.

encomium implies enthusiasm and warmth in praising a person or a thing.

received encomiums from literary critics

eulogy applies to a prepared speech or writing extolling the virtues and services of a person.

delivered the eulogy at the funeral service

panegyric suggests an elaborate often poetic compliment.

her lyrical memoir was a panegyric to her mentor

tribute implies deeply felt praise conveyed either through words or through a significant act.

the concert was a musical tribute to the early jazz masters

citation applies to the formal praise of a person offered in a military dispatch or in awarding an honorary degree.

earned a citation for bravery

Examples of citation in a Sentence

He was issued a citation. He received a citation for reckless driving. gave her a citation for bravery
Recent Examples on the Web If the boat owner fails or refuses to provide proof to law enforcement, they can be issued a citation. Alyssa Johnson, Miami Herald, 2 Mar. 2024 Police Chief Chris Cook said this is essentially a citation level offense. Noah Alcala Bach, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 29 Feb. 2024 An officer shall not issue a citation or make an arrest unless it is reasonably believed that an offense has occurred based on the circumstances and the minor's conduct, according to the town code. Maritza Dominguez, The Arizona Republic, 29 Feb. 2024 Federal court records show Freelove also received a citation in 2017 for alleging yelling and swearing at a nurse and trying to grab the nurse through a window in a triage area at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in La Jolla. Alex Riggins, San Diego Union-Tribune, 27 Feb. 2024 In the field of psychology, studies have shown a citation gap, where the research contributions of men are referenced more often than those of women. Kim Elsesser, Forbes, 26 Feb. 2024 On Monday, State Representative Houston Gaines, an Athens Republican, noted that Mr. Ibarra, the suspect in the University of Georgia killing, was issued a criminal citation for shoplifting at a Walmart in Athens in October, according to court records. Alessandro Marazzi Sassoon, New York Times, 26 Feb. 2024 The sheriff's office then issued the teen a criminal citation for driving without a license. Brenton Blanchet, Peoplemag, 25 Feb. 2024 If there is a sign posted in the parking lot stating that the vehicle code can be enforced, Olsen said drivers should make the stop to avoid a citation. Angela Rodriguez, Sacramento Bee, 24 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'citation.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

see cite

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of citation was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near citation

Cite this Entry

“Citation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/citation. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

citation

noun
ci·​ta·​tion sī-ˈtā-shən How to pronounce citation (audio)
1
: an official order to appear (as before a court)
2
a
: an act or instance of quoting
3
: a formal statement of what a person did to be chosen to receive an award

Legal Definition

citation

noun
ci·​ta·​tion sī-ˈtā-shən How to pronounce citation (audio)
1
: a writ giving notice to a person to appear in court: as
a
: a process served upon an interested party in a probate proceeding
b
: a notice to a person that he or she is charged with a petty offense (as a traffic violation)
also : the document embodying the notice

Note: Citations are issued in minor criminal cases as an alternative to arrest. Often a person may consent in writing to the penalty specified on the citation and forgo an appearance in court.

2
: the citing of a previously decided case or recognized legal authority as support for an argument
also : the caption used for referring to such a case or authority especially as published in a reporter
citational adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on citation

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!