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

Example Sentences

He was issued a citation.

He received a citation for reckless driving.

gave her a citation for bravery

Recent Examples on the Web

According to a press release, the citation stems from inspections at three warehouses located in Deltona, Florida, Waukegan, Illinois, and New Windsor, New York. —Mitchell Clark, The Verge, 19 Jan. 2023

The Kelso citation stemmed from a Dec. 8, 2021, shooting in which Irvine shot himself in the calf with a revolver while in his white van, according to the affidavit. —oregonlive, 11 Jan. 2023

Fife said the veteran who can’t afford the citation had his driver’s license suspended because of the unpaid ticket and can’t secure stable housing without a valid ID. —Dallas News, 14 Dec. 2022

Before issuing the citation, city code enforcement staff had unsuccessfully tried to contact her via phone and in person. —Gina Martinez, CBS News, 1 Dec. 2022

Caterpillar was given 15 days to respond to contest or comply with the citation for willfully violating OSHA rules and regulations, according to the agency. —Abigail Adams, Peoplemag, 16 Nov. 2022

The University of Kentucky Police Department released the citation from the incident Monday morning. —Cameron Knight, USA TODAY, 9 Nov. 2022

The University of Kentucky Police Department released the citation from the incident Monday morning. —Cameron Knight, The Enquirer, 7 Nov. 2022

In its home country, the citation is bestowed by a board of authors each fall. —Katy Waldman, The New Yorker, 31 Oct. 2022

See More

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