quotes; quoted; quoting
1
a
: to repeat (something written or said by another person) exactly
—often + from
She quoted a passage from the book in her article.
b
: to write or say the exact words of (someone)
He began his speech by quoting Shakespeare.
Can I quote you on that? [=can I tell other people that you said that?]
He was quoted as saying that there would be further delays. [=it was reported that he said that there would be further delays]
The reporter quoted the police chief as saying that an investigation would be launched soon.
c
: to write or say a line or short section from (a piece of writing or a speech)
He quotes the Bible frequently.
—+ fromHe quotes from the Bible frequently.
d
—used in speech to show that you are exactly repeating someone else's words
When I asked him if he'd be seeing her again, he said, quote, "Not if I can help it."
He said, and I quote, "Not if I can help it."
—often followed by unquoteShe said it was quote, "time for a change," unquote.
He said he's been living under, quote, unquote, "intense pressure."
2
: to mention (something) as an example to support an idea or statement
She said this kind of occurrence is common, and she quoted [=cited] several instances of almost identical behavior.
3
a
: to tell someone the price at which something can be bought or done
—often + for
The sales associate quoted (us) an unreasonably high price for the car.
b
finance
: to state the current price of (something, such as a stock)
—usually used as (be) quoted
Shares for the stock are being quoted at $68.
a list of companies that are quoted on the stock exchange [=companies whose stocks are sold on the stock exchange]
plural quotes
1
: quotation
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.
2
: quotation mark
The phrase was in quotes. [=there were quotation marks around it]
Titles of newspaper articles should be placed/put in quotes.
Cite this Entry
“Quote.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/quote. Accessed 20 Jun. 2026.
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