quote

1 of 3

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 3

noun (1)

1

: quotation

2

: quotation mark

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

quoter

3 of 3

noun (2)

quot·​er

ˈk(w)ōtə(r), 

-ōtə-

plural -s

: one that quotes

specifically : a clerk who keeps a record of insurance policy dividends and figures the interest due on them

Synonyms of quote

Verb

• cite
• mention
• reference

Noun (1)

• 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 (1)

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

Ben Affleck’s character starts quoting the dialogue in perfect sync with the film. — Michael Douglas, Deadline, 8 Oct. 2026

Its news release cited a news report quoting a conservative activist who asserted the connection. — Marc Levy, Los Angeles Times, 8 Oct. 2026

Noun

That quote might be worth revisiting after the midterm elections in November. — Brian Stelter, CNN Money, 1 Oct. 2026

As Vanderslice unwittingly contributed to the story with some quotes, not realizing the tone and direction of the article, his candidacy was derailed and his credibility ruined. — Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, Fortune, 1 Oct. 2026

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

Noun (2)

quote + -er

First Known Use

Verb

1582, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a

Noun (1)

1885, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing quote

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

Rhymes for quote

• bloat
• boat
• choate
• coat
• cote
• dote
• float
• gloat
• goat
• groat
• haute
• moat

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