cite
1 Americanverb (used with object)
-
to quote (a passage, book, author, etc.), especially as an authority.
He cited the Constitution in his defense.
-
to mention in support, proof, or confirmation; refer to as an example.
He cited many instances of abuse of power.
-
to summon officially or authoritatively to appear in court.
-
to call to mind; recall.
citing my gratitude to him.
-
Military. to mention (a soldier, unit, etc.) in orders, as for gallantry.
-
to commend, as for outstanding service, hard work, or devotion to duty.
-
to summon or call; rouse to action.
noun
verb
-
to quote or refer to (a passage, book, or author) in substantiation as an authority, proof, or example
-
to mention or commend (a soldier, etc) for outstanding bravery or meritorious action
-
to summon to appear before a court of law
-
to enumerate
he cited the king's virtues
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of cite1
First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English, from Latin citāre “to hurry, set in motion, summon before a court,” frequentative of ciēre “to move, set in motion”
Origin of cite2
An Americanism dating back to 1940–45; by shortening
Explanation
To cite something means to do right by whoever said it and give them credit — for instance, if you add a brilliant statement to a paper but you’re not the one who originally wrote it, you should cite, or point to, the original author. Using cite with the meaning "to reference" or "to note" is just one of several similar uses. A military or other official report can cite someone for an outstanding act of service, and a legal representative can cite individuals, or summon them, to show up in court. To cite a source when writing or verbally repeating something first spoken by someone else is to give a "citation" or "notation" that gives credit where credit is due.
Vocabulary lists containing cite
The Vocabulary.com Top 1000
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
The SAT: Language of the Test, List 2
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
Jim Burke's Academic Vocabulary List
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The ECB is not expected to announce an interest rate hike, but "every word will be scrutinized for any potential shift in tone regarding this persistent energy shock," said John Plassard of Cite Gestion.
From Barron's • Apr. 28, 2026
Prime Metro Properties said it did not build 53 Agar Grove and employed a third-party company, Cite Construction Ltd, under a design and build contract done "to a standard that was not fulfilled".
From BBC • May 23, 2023
Field communication manager Alexandre Marcou said the closure leaves Cite Soleil, an impoverished neighborhood on the outskirts of the capital, with just one privately run hospital and another MSF operation which is reducing operations.
From Reuters • Mar. 8, 2023
The 19,000 people in Cite Soleil are now in the latter group, the report said.
From Seattle Times • Oct. 14, 2022
“The fortress at La Cite, sir. We are evacuating. Leaving everything. We still hold the chateau and the Bastion de la Hollande. All other personnel are to fall back.”
From "All the Light We Cannot See" by Anthony Doerr
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
