citation
seye-TAYSHN
Citation (noun) means a reference to a source of information, given to credit where it came from, especially in academic writing. Example: “Every quote in the essay needs a proper citation.”
noun
1
A reference to a source of information, given to credit where it came from, especially in academic writing.
"Every quote in the essay needs a proper citation."
"The student lost marks for leaving out a citation after the quoted paragraph."
"A good citation lets readers find the original book or article easily."
2
An official order to appear before a court, or a formal notice of a minor offence such as a traffic violation.
"He received a citation for speeding on the motorway."
"The officer handed her a citation for parking in a restricted zone."
"He had to appear in court after ignoring the citation."
3
A formal statement recognising someone's achievement or bravery.
"The soldier received a citation for bravery under fire."
"The nurse was given a citation for her years of dedicated service."
"The citation praised the firefighter's courage and quick thinking."
How to use citation
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA reference crediting a source, a legal summons, or an official mention of an achievement.
Common pairings
academic citation
traffic citation
citation for bravery
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Word forms
- Plural
- citations
Fill the gap
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Every quote in the essay needs a proper _____.
Etymology
From Old French citation, from Latin citatio, built from citare ("to summon" or "to cite").
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Rhymes for citation
region
ablation
allusion
emulsion
ideation
novation
diffusion
elocution
extension
oxidation
perfusion
selection
See all rhymes for citation →
Frequently asked questions
What does “citation” mean?
The word “citation” means a reference to a source of information, given to credit where it came from, especially in academic writing. In plain terms, a reference crediting a source, a legal summons, or an official mention of an achievement.
How do you pronounce “citation”?
“Citation” is pronounced seye-TAYSHN (/ˌsaɪˈteɪʃən/ in IPA).
How do you use “citation” in a sentence?
Here is “citation” used in a sentence: “Every quote in the essay needs a proper citation.”
What part of speech is “citation”?
“Citation” is a noun.
Where does the word “citation” come from?
The word “citation” comes from Latin. From Old French citation, from Latin citatio, built from citare ("to summon" or "to cite").
Is “citation” a common word?
“Citation” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the C1 level.
How many meanings does “citation” have?
“Citation” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a reference to a source of information, given to credit where it came from, especially in academic writing.
What is the difference between a citation and a reference in academic writing?
A citation is the specific mention within the text that credits a source, while a reference typically refers to the full source details listed at the end of a document. The two work together, with the citation pointing to the corresponding entry in the reference list.
What is the difference between a citation and a summons?
A citation is an official order to appear before a court, or a formal notice of a minor offence such as a traffic violation, often issued directly by an officer without an arrest. A summons is a broader legal term for an official notice to appear in court, which can apply to more serious matters as well.
Can a citation be a form of recognition rather than a legal notice?
Yes, a citation can also be a formal statement recognising someone's achievement or bravery, such as a military citation for valour. This sense is distinct from the legal or academic uses and instead honours notable conduct.
