citation

noun

ci·ta·tion | \ sī-ˈtā-shən

Definition of citation

1 : an official summons to appear (as before a court)

2a : 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

Other Words from citation Synonyms Choose the Right Synonym Example Sentences Learn More about citation

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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

D’Amico failed to appear in court for the citation and was arrested in May 2018, the station reported. — Stephen Sorace, Fox News, "Founder of GoFundMe account for homeless man is arrested on traffic warrant: report," 12 Sep. 2018 The citations, which each carry a fine up to $5,000, are for obstructing the street, no permit for parking on path, vehicle on path, and no right of way permit. — Chris Sikich, Indianapolis Star, "Carmel tickets Duke Energy for closing street, and the fines could reach $20,000," 21 May 2018 For example, journals like Nature have very high impact factors thanks to a small number of very highly cited papers, but most papers published in Nature on average only received 10 to 20 citations. — Jennifer Ouellette, Ars Technica, "Complex networks study ranks the most influential films of all time," 3 Dec. 2018 Griffin received six misdemeanor citations for lacking permits, failing to microchip the snakes, not keeping records and other violations. — David Fleshler, Sun-Sentinel.com, "Reticulated pythons offered to undercover officer in restaurant parking lot," 11 June 2018 Rush could be heard cursing after being given the option of receiving a citation or being arrested. — Bruce Henderson, charlotteobserver, "Ex-Asheville cop won't face federal charges in violent arrest of black jaywalker," 29 June 2018 When the smoking ban was imposed in Jefferson Parish, for example, Ms. Schram refused to enforce it until the fire marshal finally wrote her a citation. — Todd A. Price, NOLA.com, "Johnnie Schram, founder of Crazy Johnnie's steak house, dies at 76," 10 May 2018 At Jackson South, even before the hospital received a citation from CMS, administrators were analyzing how the feeding tube mistake happened and how to prevent similar errors in the future. — Max Blau, STAT, "The next generation of doctors may be learning bad habits at teaching hospitals with many safety violations," 20 Apr. 2018 In past years, hundreds of arrests and citations have been issued during the event. — Rob Tornoe, Philly.com, "Who damaged Penn State's Nittany Lion statue?," 27 Feb. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'citation.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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Last Updated

15 Mar 2019

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Time Traveler for citation

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

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More Definitions for citation

citation

noun

English Language Learners Definition of citation

US : an official order to appear before a court of law

: a formal public statement that praises a person for doing something good or brave

: a line or short section taken from a piece of writing or a speech

See the full definition for citation in the English Language Learners Dictionary

citation

noun

ci·ta·tion | \ sī-ˈtā-shən

Kids Definition of citation

1 : an official order to appear in court

2 : an act or instance of quoting

3 : quotation

4 : a formal public statement praising a person for doing something good a citation for bravery

citation

noun

ci·ta·tion | \ sī-ˈtā-shən

Legal Definition of citation

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