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

Keep scrolling for more

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

The arrest citation does not name the second suspect. — Billy Kobin, The Courier-Journal, "2nd suspect arrested, charged with murder in fatal Glimmer Way shooting in Louisville," 16 July 2019 His attorney, Jennine Hovell-Cox, says the sheriff’s office later withdrew the citations and apologized. — Washington Post, "The Latest: Sheriff apologizes to NFL player, defends deputy," 12 July 2019 USA Today searched court records, which didn't show the citation was entered. — Jenna West, SI.com, "Patriots' Elandon Roberts Wants Investigation Into Police Harassment Incident," 12 July 2019 The 43 civil citations come along with a $250 penalty. — Erin Woo, The Mercury News, "Gilroy police issued 60 fireworks-related citations," 9 July 2019 The citation is the first for Twin Oaks in more than a decade. — City News Service, San Diego Union-Tribune, "Water authority announces citation against Twin Oaks Valley water treatment plant," 8 July 2019 Bentley recommended residents mail payments for such tickets to the city office address on the citation. — Ian Duncan, baltimoresun.com, "Baltimore restores online payment systems for speeding and parking tickets and property taxes," 3 July 2019 The resident was cooperative with investigators, has paid the citation, and is making a financial contribution to a wildlife facility that is caring for the dead sow’s cubs. — Kieran Nicholson, The Denver Post, "Fatal shooting of bear in Castle Pines was justified because of personal safety concerns, wildlife officials rule," 3 July 2019 The Shaurya Chakra citation now adorns a wall in Kerzin Mogal’s living room. — Rahul Singh, Quartz India, "You’ve heard stories of Indian Army and Air Force heroes. Now here’s an angel from the Navy," 23 June 2019

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.

Keep scrolling for more

Learn More about citation

Dictionary Entries near citation

Statistics for citation

Last Updated

19 Jul 2019

Look-up Popularity

Time Traveler for citation

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

See more words from the same century

Keep scrolling for more

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