cite

verb

cited; citing

transitive verb

1
: to call upon officially or authoritatively to appear (as before a court)
2
: to quote by way of example, authority, or proof
cites several noteworthy authors
3
a
: to refer to
especially : to mention formally in commendation or praise
She was cited for bravery.
b
: to name in a citation
cited by the trustees for his work in public health
4
: to bring forward or call to another's attention especially as an example, proof, or precedent
cited the weather as a reason for canceling the picnic
cited several studies that support his theory
citable adjective

Did you know?

Cite, Sight, and Site

As homophones—words that sound alike but are distinct— cite, sight, and site are easily confused, but they have different meanings, uses, and origins.

Cite is most often encountered in the sense of "to name in a citation"—that is, a line or short section taken from a piece of writing or a speech; it may also mean "to mention as an example" or "to order to appear in a court of law." Cite is from the Latin citare, "to rouse, call on, summon," source too of citation and recite.

Most of the senses of sight are concerned with seeing. A wonderful spectacle might be described as a sight, as might the general capacity to see anything ("my sight is not as good as it once was"). Sight is also used in a number of fixed phrases, such as "out of sight, out of mind," "sight unseen," and "set one's sights on." Sight comes from Old English gesiht, meaning "the faculty or act of sight, thing seen."

Site is most often concerned with location; it is related to situate, "to locate," and situation, "relative position or combination of circumstances at a particular moment." A building site is the place where a building is, or will be, located. In contemporary English, site is frequently used as a shortened form of website, to refer to the location of a group of web pages. Site comes from Latin situs, meaning "place, position, site."

Associating citation with cite, eyesight with sight, and situate with site may be helpful in applying these correctly.

Choose the Right Synonym for cite

summon, call, cite, convoke, convene, muster mean to demand the presence of.

summon implies the exercise of authority.

was summoned to answer charges

call may be used less formally for summon.

called the legislature into special session

cite implies a summoning to court usually to answer a charge.

cited for drunken driving

convoke implies a summons to assemble for deliberative or legislative purposes.

convoked a Vatican council

convene is somewhat less formal than convoke.

convened the students

muster suggests a calling up of a number of things that form a group in order that they may be exhibited, displayed, or utilized as a whole.

mustered the troops

Examples of cite in a Sentence

The article cites several experts on the subject. The museum had often been cited as an example of successful fund-raising. He cited evidence suggesting she was in the area when the crime was committed. She was cited for reckless driving.
Recent Examples on the Web The first came in August, when he was given the chance to face a new penalty phase trial after his death penalty sentence was overturned by the California Supreme Court, which cited jury selection errors by the trial judge. Christine Pelisek, Peoplemag, 6 Mar. 2024 Ortega, on the other hand, was the city's most outspoken opponent of such an agreement, citing concerns about conservation and the numerous warnings Scottsdale gave Rio Verde Foothills before the city stopped sharing its water. Sam Kmack, The Arizona Republic, 5 Mar. 2024 But since the shooting, no text messages or communications between the son and the dad have been cited as evidence of parental neglect. Tresa Baldas, Detroit Free Press, 5 Mar. 2024 The Journal estimated that the renovation cost $500 million, citing analysts. Jasmine Li, Fortune, 5 Mar. 2024 The academy declined to speak about how the segment is put together, citing respect for the recently deceased. Travis M. Andrews, Washington Post, 5 Mar. 2024 Reports indicate 60% citing app issues, 27% feed problems and 13% login issues. Chris Sims, The Indianapolis Star, 5 Mar. 2024 The attack against the airport came amid a suspension of all international flights into Haiti by U.S.-based carriers, citing the ongoing civil unrest. Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 5 Mar. 2024 Campaigns that are trailing in the polls often impugn them, of course, but Biden aides cite reasons for their skepticism. Evan Osnos, The New Yorker, 4 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'cite.' 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

Middle English, from Anglo-French citer to cite, summon, from Latin citare to put in motion, rouse, summon, from frequentative of ciēre to stir, move — more at -kinesis

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of cite was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near cite

Cite this Entry

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

Kids Definition

cite

verb
cited; citing
1
: to summon to appear before a court
2
: to quote as an example, authority, or proof
3
: to refer to especially in praise

Legal Definition

cite

transitive verb
cited; citing
1
: to demand the appearance of in court : serve with a citation
had been cited for contempt
you are hereby cited to show cause in the Probate Court
2
: to quote or refer to as a precedent or authority
the plaintiff cites several cases for the proposition
Etymology

Latin citare to rouse, call on, summon

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