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

Other Word Forms

• citational adjective
• noncitation noun
• precitation noun
• citatory adjective

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 ¹ , -ion

Example Sentences

“After that, driving solo in the carpool lane could result in a citation,” the agency said.

From Los Angeles Times

Both states updated their laws years ago to allow officers to issue citations to the registered owner of the vehicle, even if no human is present.

From Los Angeles Times

Then, on Sept. 3, the officer issued a citation to the Tesla for violating the 72-hour parking ordinance.

From Los Angeles Times

“Education is always our first approach, but we have the ability to issue citations and will take those steps as necessary.”

From Los Angeles Times

“Repeated citations have not persuaded the owner to secure these properties.”

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• commendation 
• summons