How to Cite a Encyclopedia Entry in Chicago (17th edition)
Learn how to cite an encyclopedia article or entry in Chicago format (17th edition). This guide includes the reference list format, in-text citation examples, and key formatting rules.
Chicago Bibliography Format
Here is the standard Chicago format for citing a encyclopedia entry in your bibliography:
Author Last Name, First Name. "Title of Entry." In Title of Encyclopedia, edited by Editor Name. Volume #. Place: Publisher, Year.
Chicago Example for a Encyclopedia Entry
A complete Chicago reference for a encyclopedia entry, formatted by the official Chicago CSL style definition — the same engine that powers the generator on this site:
Sinclair, Marta. 2020. “Bibliography.” In Encyclopedia of Scholarly Practice, 3rd ed., edited by Daniel Hobbs, vol. 2. Meridian Reference.
Matching in-text citation: (Sinclair 2020)
Chicago In-Text Citation
Use one of these formats when referencing this source within your paper:
Parenthetical
(Author Year)
Narrative
Author (Year) explains...
Key Chicago Formatting Rules
- Put the entry title in quotation marks.
- Italicize the encyclopedia name.
- Include editor, volume, place, publisher, and year.
Step-by-Step Guide
- Gather source information: Collect the author name, title, publication date, and URL or DOI for your encyclopedia entry.
- Format the reference: Arrange the elements following the Chicago (17th edition) template shown above.
- Create the in-text citation: Add a parenthetical or narrative citation in your paper where you reference this source.
- Add to your bibliography: Include the full formatted citation at the end of your paper.
- Double-check formatting: Verify italics, punctuation, capitalization, and hanging indents match Chicago requirements.
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