citation

[ sahy-tey-shuhn ]

noun

1. Military. mention of a soldier or a unit in orders, usually for gallantry:

   She received a presidential citation.

2. any award or commendation, as for outstanding service, hard work, or devotion to duty, especially a formal letter or statement recounting a person's achievements.

   Synonyms: kudos, reward, laurel, honor, award

3. a summons, especially to appear in court.
4. a document containing such a summons.
5. the act of citing or quoting a reference to an authority or a precedent.
6. a passage cited; quotation.

   Synonyms: quote, extract, passage, excerpt

7. Also . a quotation showing a particular word or phrase in context.
8. Also . mention or enumeration.

citation

/ ˈsaɪtətərɪ; -trɪ; saɪˈteɪʃən /

noun

1. the quoting of a book or author in support of a fact
2. a passage or source cited for this purpose
3. a listing or recounting, as of facts
4. an official commendation or award, esp for bravery or outstanding service, work, etc, usually in the form of a formal statement made in public
5. law
   1. an official summons to appear in court
   2. the document containing such a summons
6. law the quoting of decided cases to serve as guidance to a court

Derived Forms

• citatory, adjective

Other Words From

• ci·tation·al adjective
• nonci·tation noun
• preci·tation noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of citation¹

First recorded in 1250–1300; Middle English citacio(u)n, from Late Latin citātiōn- (stem of citātiō ), equivalent to Latin citāt(us), past participle of citāre “to set in motion, call before a court” + -iōn- noun suffix; cite ¹none, -ion none

Example Sentences

Dr. Naim “purported to attribute to his opinions to the medical literature,” but was unable to provide any citations when prompted, the letter said.

From Los Angeles Times

It’s a story told with beats, blues and voices, but also in onscreen text with citations, as if pages were being flipped.

From Los Angeles Times

The agency can issue citations if health and safety violations are found.

From Los Angeles Times

At the time, the Missouri State Highway Patrol database also listed a citation for operating a vehicle without proper proof of insurance.

From Los Angeles Times

Elsewhere, British star Raye picked up several citations, including songwriter of the year and best new artist.

From BBC

Related Words

• commendation
• summons