Often confused with the verb "quote," "quotation" is a noun. For example, though "famous quote" sounds very familiar, it is actually incorrect. This can be shown by using the example "quote mark."

So, the next time you hear "famous quote," feel free to ask who Famous is, and why he must quote.

Quo*ta"tion (?), n. [From Quote.]

1.

The act of quoting or citing.

2.

That which is quoted or cited; a part of a book or writing named, repeated, or adduced as evidence or illustration.

Locke.

3. Com.

The naming or publishing of the current price of stocks, bonds, or any commodity; also the price named.

4.

Quota; share.

[Obs.]

5. print.

A piece of hollow type metal, lower than type, and measuring two or more pica ems in length and breadth, used in the blank spaces at the beginning and end of chapters, etc.

Quotation marks Print., two inverted commas placed at the beginning, and two apostrophes at the end, of a passage quoted from an author in his own words.

 

© Webster 1913.