HTML <cite> Tag Tutorial - Usage, Syntax,
Attributes and Example

calender-iconPublished: 11 May 2025

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INTRODUCTION

The HTML <cite> element is used to highlight/mark the title of a creative work. This tag should not be used for person names unless they are the author of a work being cited. It's not meant for attributing people in general conversation.

Display: The contents of <cite> element is shown by browser in italics. You can customise this by using the CSS font-style property.

A creative work could be any one of the following.

  • book
  • research paper
  • essay
  • poem
  • Musical concert
  • play or film script
  • Song
  • television show
  • film
  • game
  • sculpture
  • painting
  • theatrical production
  • play
  • opera
  • musical
  • exhibition
  • legal case report
  • computer program
  • website or web page
  • blog post or forum post or comment
  • tweet
  • Facebook post
  • any other creative work

Syntax: 

<cite> --text-- </cite>

Example: 


<p>One of my favorite books is <cite>The Great Gatsby</cite> by F. Scott Fitzgerald.</p>

Output:

One of my favorite books is The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald.



Tag Omission

The HTML <cite> element must have both start tag and end tag.

ATTRIBUTES

The <cite> element only has global attributes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the Difference Between HTML q Tag, blockquote tag and cite tag ?
The HTML blockquote element is used for long quotations that are typically displayed as a separate block of text. By default, browsers apply indentation to blockquote.
The HTML q - Inline Quotation element is used for short, inline quotes within a paragraph. Browsers automatically add quotation marks around the text.
The HTML cite element is used to reference the title of a creative work, such as a book, article, movie, or painting. It is rendered in italics by default.

Can the HTML cite tag be used within list items?
Yes, HTML cite tags are allowed in lists. You can use the cite tag within list items (li) of an unordered (ul) or ordered (ol) list to reference a source, such as the title of a book, article, or website.

Is it valid to use the HTML <cite> tag inside a link (<a>) tag?
Yes, you can use the HTML <cite> tag inside a link (<a>), but it should be used in a way that makes sense semantically. You can place a <cite> inside an <a> to indicate that the linked text is a citation for a work.
For example: 


<a href="https://example.com/book"><cite>The Great Book</cite></a>

The <cite> element marks "The Great Book" as the title of a cited work.
The <a> element makes the citation clickable, linking to the source or relevant page.