citation

noun

ci·​ta·​tion sī-ˈtā-shən How to pronounce citation (audio)
Synonyms 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
citational
sī-ˈtā-sh(ə-)nəl How to pronounce citation (audio)
adjective

Synonyms of citation

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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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Bryant was issued a citation for assault by contact, a Class C misdemeanor, and released at the scene. — Erin Jones, CBS News, 27 Oct. 2026 According to Bryant, officers handcuffed the men, questioned them separately and placed him in a police vehicle before releasing him with the citation. — Jackson Thompson Outkick, FOXNews.com, 26 Oct. 2026 The coaster’s most recent inspection, on March 16, reported no violations, deficiencies, citations or red tags, according to King. — Alaa Elassar, CNN Money, 24 Oct. 2026 Violations could result in disciplinary action or citations from law enforcement. — ABC News, 22 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for citation

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

Rhymes for citation

See All Rhymes for citation

Browse Nearby Words

cital
citation
citation form
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Citation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/citation. Accessed 31 Oct. 2026.

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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
b
: quotation sense 1
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
-shə-nəl How to pronounce citation (audio)
adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on citation

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about citation

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