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

And despite his citations and medals and his efforts to move up in the world, Fred, a soda jerk before the war, is once again dishing up sundaes.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Her performance saw her receive a Tony Award, a Donaldson Award, a Theatre World Award and the Associated Press citation for Woman of the Year for Drama.

Read more on BBC

They taught their clients to wait for the dolphins to approach, made sure swimmers left the water by late morning so the animals could rest, and never received a citation for harassment or harm.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Robert Held, a Chicago-based trust and estate lawyer, received a citation about 7:45 am for having come to the site before curfew was lifted.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

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

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• commendation 
• summons