citation

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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 lawb : excerpt, quotation His homily included several biblical citations.
3 : mention: such asa : a formal statement of the achievements of a person receiving an academic honorb : specific reference in a military dispatch to meritorious performance of duty a citation for bravery

citational

play \-shnəl, -shə-n^əl\ adjective

See citation defined for English-language learners

See citation defined for kids

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 of citation from the Web

Violators face a misdemeanor citation and a $600 fine.

— regina garcia cano, The Seattle Times, "Marijuana sales in Nevada exceed stores’ expectations", 3 July 2017
The citations may be issued for deeds such as helping another person, deterring crime, wearing a helmet and otherwise practicing bicycle safety, or participating in a positive activity in the community.

— Washington Post, "Loudoun County news briefs", 3 July 2017
After initial processing through a wireless and secure transfer, Doral police receive the evidence and determines whether a citation is issued.

— monique o. madan, miamiherald, "Red-light runners, beware: Cameras installed at four major Doral intersections", 3 July 2017
Indeed, in the spirited tradition of academic sport, where the gloves come off when citations are misattributed or a middle initial is misidentified, every theory of the Punic passage withers under a rebuttal.

— Smithsonian, "How (and Where) Did Hannibal Cross the Alps?", 28 June 2017
As her two friends began arguing with each other outside the apartment complex, Adams went into her apartment, retrieved a knife and then attacked one of the women, according to the citation.

— thomas novelly, The Courier-Journal, "Woman accused of slashing friend's face with a knife", 19 June 2017
Daniel said in addition to the traffic citations, authorities arrested two people on charges of methamphetamine trafficking.

— carol robinson, AL.com, "Troopers launch 13-hour traffic blitz in Blount County following spate of deadly crashes", 11 June 2017
Hollander of The Ticket Clinic said only 5 percent of the firm’s cases involve citations for not using signals.

— linda robertson, miamiherald, "Why don’t Miami drivers use turn signals? It’s complicated.", 4 June 2017
Refusing to comply with a congressional subpoena puts Mr. Flynn at risk of being held in contempt of Congress, a rare move that could subject him to a criminal citation should lawmakers choose to pursue it.

— emmarie huetteman, New York Times, "Trump’s Personal Lawyer Refuses to Cooperate With Congressional Inquiries", 30 May 2017

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.

Origin and Etymology of citation

see cite

NEW!

First Known Use: 14th century

See Words from the same year

Synonym Discussion of 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

CITATION Defined for English Language Learners

citation

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noun

Definition of citation for English Language Learners

: 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

CITATION Defined for Kids

citation

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noun ci·ta·tion \sī-ˈtā-shən\

Definition of citation for Students

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

Law Dictionary

citation

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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 Editor's 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