citation

American  

[sahy-tey-shuhn] / saɪˈteɪ ʃən /

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.

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citation British  

/ 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

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Other Word Forms

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

Etymology

Origin of citation

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

The Police Department issued 40 e-bike citations this year as of Nov. 13 and has impounded 19 e-bikes since the ordinance was adopted.

From Los Angeles Times

This time, she wanted a citation model that compensated the 46 thinkers who shaped her understanding of the subject.

From Los Angeles Times

Over an eight-year period, state officials issued just 27 citations for child labor violations, even though thousands of agricultural businesses operate in California.

From Los Angeles Times

Summers was mentioned by name once, in a citation from the website of the Program for Evolutionary Dynamics, which he established with funding from Epstein.

From The Wall Street Journal

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.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• commendation
• summons