citation

noun

ci·​ta·​tion sī-ˈtā-shən 

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 

-shə-nᵊl

adjective

Synonyms

• accolade
• commendation
• dithyramb
• encomium
• eulogium
• eulogy
• homage
• hymn
• paean
• panegyric
• salutation
• tribute

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

Questions about the bullet wound did not arise until the National Park Service citation was published. —Shaylee Ragar, NPR, 5 June 2024

The citations do not go onto Department of Motor Vehicles records but, if not paid, do go to a collection agency. —Jim Radcliffe, Orange County Register, 31 May 2024

The brewery failed to protect its employees from falling through holes, including skylights, that were at least 4 feet above a lower level, according to a copy of the citation obtained by The Charlotte Observer on Friday through a public records request. —Joe Marusak, Charlotte Observer, 31 May 2024

A couple weeks after the citation, Mr. Hudson posted a video (79,267 likes), recording himself starting the car remotely from his apartment balcony. —Mike Baker, New York Times, 29 May 2024

Word History

Etymology

see cite

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

citation

noun

ci·​ta·​tion sī-ˈtā-shən 

1

: an official order to appear (as before a court)

2

a

: an act or instance of quoting

b

: quotation sense 1

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 

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

-shə-nəl 

adjective