English Reference
verb · noun

citing

v. · n.
US /ˈsaɪtɪŋ/ UK /sˈaɪtɪŋ/ cit·ing

  1. 01 B2 Upper Intermediate Academic

    v.mentioning a book, author, or study to support your ideas.

    v.referencing a specific source, such as a text or author, to provide evidence or authority for a claim. Transitive; requires a direct object.

    Simple

    She is citing several famous scientists in her research paper to prove her point.

    In context

    The student was careful about citing every primary source used in the dissertation to avoid any accusations of academic dishonesty.

  2. 02 B2 Upper Intermediate Formal

    v.mentioning something as a reason why something else happened.

    v.mentioning or bringing forward something as a reason, justification, or example. Often used in formal reporting or legal contexts.

    Simple

    The company closed the factory, citing high costs and low sales.

    In context

    The judge dismissed the case, citing a lack of physical evidence and inconsistent witness testimony.

  3. 03 C1 Advanced FormalTechnical Law

    n.the act of naming a source or a specific mention of a rule.

    n.the act of citation or a specific instance of referencing a source or legal authority.

    Simple

    The lawyer's citing of previous cases helped the jury understand the law.

    In context

    The constant citing of obscure regulations made the contract difficult for the average person to read.

Usage citing local

Workers arrived to remove the graffiti, the Washington Post ​ reported , citing Park Police officers at ‌the site.

The Guardian· 14 Aug 2026

Citing people familiar with the matter, it claimed that recordings of dialogue between the pilots suggested it was the Captain, Sumeet Sabharwal, who had flipped the fuel switches.

BBC News· 10 Jun 2026
This entry
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Frequent
Updated