quote

1 of 2

verb

ˈkwōt 

also

ˈkōt 

quoted; quoting

transitive verb

1

a

: to speak or write (a passage) from another usually with credit acknowledgment

b

: to repeat a passage from especially in substantiation or illustration

c

: borrow sense 2a

quoting the motifs of past artists

2

: to cite in illustration

quote a similar case

3

a

: to state (the current price or bid-offer spread) for a commodity, stock, or bond

b

: to give exact information on

4

: to set off by quotation marks

intransitive verb

: to inform a hearer or reader that matter following is quoted

quoter noun

quote

2 of 2

noun

1

: quotation

2

: quotation mark

—often used orally to indicate the beginning of a direct quotation

Synonyms of quote

Verb

• cite
• mention
• reference

Noun

• quotation

Examples of quote in a Sentence

Verb

He began his speech by quoting Shakespeare.

The reporter quoted the police chief as saying that an investigation would be launched soon.

He quotes the Bible frequently.

Noun

Each chapter of the book began with an inspirational quote.

She included quotes from the poem in her essay.

The article included quotes from the mayor and several councilors.

The price quotes exceeded our expectations.

I checked the stock quotes online.

Titles of newspaper articles should be placed in quotes.

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

As something that, to quote The Breakfast Club, makes your heart die. — Hillary Busis, Vanity Fair, 24 Sep. 2026

The vehicles will use an 800 V electric architecture, and the company is quoting a DC fast-charging time of around 30 minutes to 80 percent. — Chad Kirchner, ArsTechnica, 21 Sep. 2026

Noun

Select recommends getting quotes from several insurers working in your area with the same coverage options, limits and deductibles then compare them to see what's the most affordable. — Liz Knueven, CNBC, 17 Sep. 2026

This story was updated with a quote from New York Daily News counsel Steven Lieberman. — Ashley Belanger, ArsTechnica, 17 Sep. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Verb

Medieval Latin quotare to mark the number of, number references, from Latin quotus of what number or quantity, from quot how many, (as) many as; akin to Latin qui who — more at who

First Known Use

Verb

1582, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a

Noun

1885, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing quote

• pull quote
• quote as saying
• quote someone on
• quote, unquote
• quote you on that

Rhymes for quote

• bloat
• boat
• choate
• coat
• cote
• dote
• float
• gloat
• goat
• groat
• haute
• moat

Kids Definition

quote

1 of 2 verb

ˈkwōt 

quoted; quoting

1

: to repeat (someone else's words) exactly

quote Shakespeare

2

: to give as an example

3

: to set off written material by quotation marks

quote

2 of 2 noun

1

: quotation sense 3

2

: quotation mark