How to Cite a Encyclopedia Entry in MLA (9th edition)
Learn how to cite an encyclopedia article or entry in MLA format (9th edition). This guide includes the reference list format, in-text citation examples, and key formatting rules.
MLA Works Cited Format
Here is the standard MLA format for citing a encyclopedia entry in your Works Cited page:
Author Last Name, First Name. "Title of Entry." Encyclopedia Name, edited by Editor Name, vol. #, Publisher, Year, pp. #–#.
MLA Example for a Encyclopedia Entry
A complete MLA reference for a encyclopedia entry, formatted by the official MLA CSL style definition — the same engine that powers the generator on this site:
Sinclair, Marta. “Bibliography.” Encyclopedia of Scholarly Practice, edited by Daniel Hobbs, 3rd ed., vol. 2, Meridian Reference, 2020, pp. 410–14.
Matching in-text citation: (Sinclair)
MLA In-Text Citation
Use one of these formats when referencing this source within your paper:
Parenthetical
(Author, "Entry Title")
Narrative
Author notes in "Entry Title"...
Key MLA Formatting Rules
- Put the entry title in quotation marks.
- Italicize the encyclopedia name.
- Include editor, volume, publisher, year, and pages.
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 MLA (9th 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 Works Cited: Include the full formatted citation at the end of your paper.
- Double-check formatting: Verify italics, punctuation, capitalization, and hanging indents match MLA requirements.
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