1 a [+ obj] : to repeat (something written or said by another person) exactly — often + from ▪ She quoted a passage from the book in her article.
b [+ obj] : to write or say the exact words of (someone)
▪ He began his speech by quoting Shakespeare. ▪ Can I quote you on that? [=can I tell other people that you said that?] ▪ He was quoted as saying that there would be further delays. [=it was reported that he said that there would be further delays] ▪ The reporter quoted the police chief as saying that an investigation would be launched soon.
c : to write or say a line or short section from (a piece of writing or a speech) [+ obj] ▪ He quotes the Bible frequently. [no obj] — + from ▪ He quotes from the Bible frequently.
d — used in speech to show that you are exactly repeating someone else's words. ▪ When I asked him if he'd be seeing her again, he said, quote, “Not if I can help it.” ▪ He said, and I quote, “Not if I can help it.” — often followed by unquote ▪ She said it was quote, “time for a change,” unquote. ▪ He said he's been living under, quote, unquote, “intense pressure.” 2 [+ obj] : to mention (something) as an example to support an idea or statement
▪ She said this kind of occurrence is common, and she quoted [=cited] several instances of almost identical behavior. 3 [+ obj] a : to tell someone the price at which something can be bought or done — often + for ▪ The sales associate quoted (us) an unreasonably high price for the car.
b finance : to state the current price of (something, such as a stock) — usually used as (be) quoted ▪ Shares for the stock are being quoted at $68. ▪ a list of companies that are quoted on the stock exchange [=companies whose stocks are sold on the stock exchange]