citation

noun ci·ta·tion \ sī-ˈtā-shən \

|Updated on: 16 Aug 2018

Tip: Synonym Guide

Examples: citation in a Sentence

Definition of citation

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

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citational

play \-shnəl, -shə-nᵊl\ 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

The police cited a violation of the public consumption rules in issuing citations against 31 people on the tours.

— kathleen gray, Detroit Free Press, "What Michigan needs to learn from Colorado's legalized marijuana," 12 July 2018
The department issued at least 13 citations to barbecue joints for failing to register their meat scales since September, despite a 2017 state law requiring the commissioner to leave such establishments alone.

— andrea zelinski, San Antonio Express-News, "Texas Ag commissioner, BBQ pitmasters battle over a weighty issue," 3 July 2018
Six people were arrested, issued citations, and then released for blocking access to the building.

— aubrey nagle, Philly.com, "City turns out for ICE protests, how to steal a house in Philly | Morning Newsletter," 2 July 2018
The inspections are designed to be informational as opposed to enforcing laws and issuing citations.

— julie gallant, Ramona Sentinel, "Fire readiness begins with property checks, new fire truck," 21 June 2018
BART’s fare inspectors examined the tickets or Clipper cards of 10,745 patrons between March and May, and issued 1,633 citations.

— michael cabanatuan, San Francisco Chronicle, "BART directors to evaluate program to crack down on fare cheats; delay expansion," 14 June 2018
Police enforced the closures by issuing citations to anyone who refused to remove their belongings, the city said.

— jon kamp, WSJ, "Philadelphia Clears Two Opioid Tent Camps," 31 May 2018
Carmel issued the citations May 9 after Duke employees blocked 126th Street westbound between Kinzer Avenue and Ash Drive and parked a truck on the parallel pathway.

— chris sikich, Indianapolis Star, "Carmel tickets Duke Energy for closing street, and the fines could reach $20,000," 21 May 2018
Starting on Tuesday, law enforcement agencies statewide can issue citations to drivers with winter tires.

— michelle theriault boots, Anchorage Daily News, "Get your studded tires changed by Tuesday or risk a fine," 30 Apr. 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.

Origin and Etymology of citation

see cite

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 14th century

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year

citation Synonyms

Synonyms

accolade, commendation, dithyramb, encomium, eulogy, homage, hymn, paean, panegyric, salutation, tribute;

Near Antonyms

censure, condemnation, denunciation, indictment, rebuke, reprimand, reproof;

admonition, correction, harangue, lecture, sermon;

acclaim, acclamation, laudation;

applause, plaudit(s);

bravo, hallelujah, kudo;

approval, cachet, compliment, recommendation;

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

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

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

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

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