Definition

Citation

Updated Feb 6, 2025

Definition

A citation is a source reference (often a clickable link) included inside an AI-generated answer to show where information came from.

Plain English

It's the AI pointing to a source and saying "this is what I'm using."

Why it matters

  • Citations are a trust signal inside AI answers.
  • They can drive high-intent clicks when users verify details.
  • They function like a new kind of placement in answers-first search.