How to Cite Wikipedia Article in MLA

• Hannah Berry (Ph.D.)
• Published on 04/30/2024

Citing sources is a crucial aspect of academic and scholarly writing, ensuring proper attribution and credibility to the information presented. Wikipedia, a widely used online encyclopedia, contains a wealth of information on various topics. However, citing Wikipedia in academic work requires careful adherence to citation guidelines, such as those outlined by the Modern Language Association (MLA).

CITATION ELEMENTS OF A WIKIPEDIA ARTICLE

Incorporating these elements into your citation ensures that you accurately and comprehensively document the source of information from a Wikipedia article. By following MLA style guidelines and upholding academic integrity standards, you maintain the credibility and reliability of your work.

• Title of the Article: Begin with the title of the Wikipedia article you are referencing, enclosed in double quotation marks. Ensure that the title matches exactly as it appears at the top of the Wikipedia page to maintain accuracy and consistency in your citation.
• Wikipedia’s Full Name: After the article title, include Wikipedia’s full name as the container name in italics. It should be cited as Wikipedia: The Free Encyclopedia.
• Wikimedia Foundation: After citing Wikipedia’s full name, acknowledge the organization responsible for Wikipedia, which is the Wikimedia Foundation.
• Date the Article was Last Updated: Include the date the article was last updated. This information can usually be found at the bottom of the Wikipedia page under the last edited section.
• URL: Provide the URL of the Wikipedia page. This allows readers to access the source directly for further information.

Provide the Complete Article Title: It’s essential to include the full title of the Wikipedia article in your Works Cited entry. By accurately presenting the complete title, you ensure proper attribution and enable readers to locate the source easily for further reference and verification. Incorporate Publication Dates for Context: When citing a Wikipedia article, don’t forget to include the date it was last updated. This detail offers valuable context regarding the timeliness and relevance of the information provided. By including the publication date in your citation, you help readers assess the currency of the source material, enhancing the credibility of your work. Shortened Titles for In-Text Citations: Simplify your in-text citations by utilizing a shortened version of the article’s title enclosed in quotation marks. This practice not only streamlines your citation but also maintains the flow and readability of your text. By condensing the title while still clearly identifying the source, you strike a balance between adherence to citation guidelines and effective communication of information.

EXAMPLE CITATION FOR WIKIPEDIA ARTICLE

When citing a Wikipedia article in MLA style, follow this format:

EXAMPLE IN-TEXT CITATION FOR WIKIPEDIA ENTRY

In MLA, citing Wikipedia in your text is straightforward. When including an in-text citation, use an abbreviated version of the Wikipedia article title in quotation marks.

Here’s an example of how the in-text citation might appear for the same Wikipedia source.