First Known Use: 1582
Dictionary
1quote
verb \ˈkwōt also ˈkōt\
: to repeat (something written or said by another person) exactly
: to write or say the exact words of (someone)
: to write or say a line or short section from (a piece of writing or a speech)
quot·edquot·ing
Full Definition of QUOTE
transitive verb
1
a : to speak or write (a passage) from another usually with credit acknowledgment b : to repeat a passage from especially in substantiation or illustration c : borrow 2a <quoting the motifs of past artists>
2
: to cite in illustration <quote a similar case>
3
a : to state (the current price or bid-offer spread) for a commodity, stock, or bond b : to give exact information on
4
: to set off by quotation marks
intransitive verb
: to inform a hearer or reader that matter following is quoted
— quot·er noun
See quote defined for English-language learners
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Origin of QUOTE
Medieval Latin quotare to mark the number of, number references, from Latin quotus of what number or quantity, from quot how many, (as) many as; akin to Latin qui who — more at who
2quote
noun
Definition of QUOTE
1
2
: quotation mark —often used orally to indicate the beginning of a direct quotation
See quote defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of QUOTE
1888
QUOTE Defined for Kids
1quote
verb \ˈkwōt\
quot·edquot·ing
Definition of QUOTE for Kids
: to repeat (someone else's words) exactly <I quoted my favorite poem.>
Word History of QUOTE
Sometimes passages in books are numbered. The English word quote came from a medieval Latin word quotare that meant “to refer to a passage by number.” English quote means “to repeat the words of a passage exactly.” The idea of number has been lost.
2quote
noun
Definition of QUOTE for Kids
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