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

• citatory adjective
• citational adjective
• noncitation noun
• precitation 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 ¹ , -ion

Example Sentences

Soon, cities and counties across the country were issuing citations.

From BBC

Housing Department said that as of October 2024, there were an estimated 7,500 violations of the Home-Sharing Ordinance, but only 300 citations.

From Los Angeles Times

He was released early Tuesday morning with a citation and is due in court Sept. 5.

From Los Angeles Times

Other homeless people in Portland have received police citations for other offenses, like trespassing.

From Salon

Cal/OSHA issued citations in October 2021 that found critical failures in the company’s safety procedures and training around its handling of pressurized gas systems.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• commendation 
• summons