Meaning & use
citation
Last updated
A reference to a published or unpublished source, or an official summons or notice of a legal violation.
See it in a sentence
The essay includes a citation for every quoted source.
The officer issued a citation for speeding through the school zone.
A note on using this word
The meaning of citation shifts sharply by context: in academic writing it means a source reference, while in everyday speech it usually refers to a traffic ticket.
Words with a similar meaning
referenceticket
Choose a synonym to suit the sentence. Meanings can overlap without being identical.
Another way to use it
2. noun
An official notice of praise or commendation, especially for bravery or achievement.
The soldier received a citation for his courage under fire.
Make it your own
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