quote

1 of 2

verb

ˈkwōt 

also

ˈkōt 

quoted; quoting

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 sense 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

quoter noun

quote

2 of 2

noun

1

: quotation

2

: quotation mark

—often used orally to indicate the beginning of a direct quotation

Synonyms

Verb

• adduce
• cite
• instance
• mention

Noun

• citation
• quotation

Examples of quote in a Sentence

Verb

He began his speech by quoting Shakespeare.

The reporter quoted the police chief as saying that an investigation would be launched soon.

He quotes the Bible frequently.

Noun

Each chapter of the book began with an inspirational quote.

She included quotes from the poem in her essay.

The article included quotes from the mayor and several councilors.

The price quotes exceeded our expectations.

I checked the stock quotes online.

Titles of newspaper articles should be placed in quotes.

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

In explaining the way canines feel about their owners, the AKC quotes a scientific study in which dogs were observed under an MRI machine as they were presented with a variety of scents. —Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2024

Many look-alikes will simply turn up and look like their doppelgänger, but Oliver embodies Brent for hours and hours, quoting beloved routines from The Office and improvising in character himself. —Ralph Jones, Vulture, 4 Nov. 2024

Noun

That could be adding more quotes or first-person stories, bringing different staff voices in, etc. —Expert Panel®, Forbes, 4 Nov. 2024

Fortunately, the timeless quote did not describe any of the summit attendees, who filled the room at Nya West in Los Angeles on a Saturday morning to learn where the entertainment industry might go next. —Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 4 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Verb

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

First Known Use

Verb

1582, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a

Noun

1888, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing quote

• pull quote
• quote as saying
• quote someone on
• quote, unquote
• quote you on that

Kids Definition

quote

1 of 2 verb

ˈkwōt 

quoted; quoting

1

: to repeat (someone else's words) exactly

quote Shakespeare

2

: to give as an example

3

: to set off written material by quotation marks

quote

2 of 2 noun

1

: quotation sense 3

2

: quotation mark