Let's Compare Citation and Quotation. 1  CITATION VS.  Citation. Broadly, a citation is a reference to a published or unpublished source (not always the original source). Citation \Ci*tation\, n. [F. citation, LL. citatio, fr.L. citare to cite. See {Cite}] 1. An official summons or notice given to a person to appear; the paper containing such summons or notice. [1913 Webster] 2.