citation

noun

ci·​ta·​tion sī-ˈtā-shən How to pronounce citation (audio)
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 How to pronounce citation (audio)
-shə-nᵊl
adjective
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 In other words, drivers may tend to turn right in violation of the law, even though doing so puts them at risk of a citation for running a red light. The Arizona Republic, 15 Mar. 2024 In a divided vote last month, Miami Beach commissioners repealed a 2015 ordinance that gave police officers the discretion to issue civil citations for possession of up to 20 grams of marijuana instead of arresting people for it; Chief Jones said officers had rarely used the citation option. Patricia Mazzei, New York Times, 9 Mar. 2024 See all Example Sentences for citation 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'citation.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

see cite

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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

Dictionary Entries Near citation

Cite this Entry

“Citation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/citation. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

citation

noun
ci·​ta·​tion sī-ˈtā-shən How to pronounce citation (audio)
1
: an official order to appear (as before a court)
2
a
: an act or instance of quoting
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 How to pronounce citation (audio)
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 adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on citation

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