cite

verb \ˈsīt\

: to write or say the words of (a book, author, etc.)

: to mention (something) especially as an example or to support an idea or opinion

law : to order (someone) to appear before a court of law

cit·edcit·ing

Full Definition of CITE

transitive verb

: to call upon officially or authoritatively to appear (as before a court)

: to quote by way of example, authority, or proof <cites several noteworthy authors>

a : to refer to; especially : to mention formally in commendation or praise

b : to name in a citation

: to bring forward or call to another's attention especially as an example, proof, or precedent <cited the weather as a reason for canceling the picnic>

— cit·able \ˈsī-tə-bəl\ adjective

See cite defined for English-language learners

See cite defined for kids

Origin of CITE

Middle English, from Anglo-French citer to cite, summon, from Latin citare to put in motion, rouse, summon, from frequentative of ciēre to stir, move — more at -kinesis

First Known Use: 15th century

Related to CITE

Synonyms: adduce, quote, instance, mention

Synonym Discussion of CITE

summon, call, cite, convoke, convene, muster mean to demand the presence of. summon implies the exercise of authority <was summoned to answer charges>. call may be used less formally for summon <called the legislature into special session>. cite implies a summoning to court usually to answer a charge <cited for drunken driving>. convoke implies a summons to assemble for deliberative or legislative purposes <convoked a Vatican council>. convene is somewhat less formal than convoke <convened the students>. muster suggests a calling up of a number of things that form a group in order that they may be exhibited, displayed, or utilized as a whole <mustered the troops>.

Rhymes with CITE

bight, bite, blight, bright, byte, dight, dite, fight, flight, fright, height, hight, kite, knight, krait, kyte, light, lite, might, mite, night, plight, quite, right, rite, sight, site, sleight, slight, smite, spite, sprite, tight, trite, white, wight, wite, wright, write

CITE Defined for Kids

cite

verb \ˈsīt\

cit·edcit·ing

Definition of CITE for Kids

: to order to appear in court <She was cited for reckless driving.>

: to quote as an example, authority, or proof <He cites several experts in his report.>

: to refer to especially in praise <The school was cited as a model for others.>

Learn More About CITE

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for "cite"

Spanish Central: Spanish translation of "cite"

Nglish: Translation of "cite" for Spanish speakers

Britannica English: Translation of "cite" for Arabic speakers

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