How to Cite Wikipedia in BibTeX (standard)
Learn how to cite Wikipedia articles and wiki entries in BibTeX format (standard). This guide includes the reference list format, in-text citation examples, and key formatting rules.
BibTeX Reference List Format
Here is the standard BibTeX format for citing Wikipedia in your reference list:
BibTeX Example for Wikipedia
A complete BibTeX reference for Wikipedia, formatted by the official BibTeX CSL style definition — the same engine that powers the generator on this site:
@misc{2024Citation, note = {[Online; accessed 2026-01-10]}, year = {2024}, month = {aug 2}, publisher = {Wikimedia Foundation}, title = {Citation}, url = {https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Citation&oldid=1234567890}, }
Step-by-Step Guide
- Gather source information: Collect the author name, title, publication date, and URL or DOI for your Wikipedia.
- Format the reference: Arrange the elements following the BibTeX (standard) 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 reference list: Include the full formatted citation at the end of your paper.
- Double-check formatting: Verify italics, punctuation, capitalization, and hanging indents match BibTeX requirements.
Evidence and review notes
Worked examples are generated by citeproc from the published CSL definition, not written by a language model.
CSL style record: bibtex.csl
Frequently Asked Questions
- How do I cite Wikipedia in BibTeX?
- To cite Wikipedia in BibTeX (standard), include the author, title, date, and source location. Use our free citation generator for automatic formatting.
- What is the BibTeX format for Wikipedia citation?
- The BibTeX format for Wikipedia is: @misc{2024Citation, note = {[Online; accessed 2026-01-10]}, year = {2024}, month = {aug 2}, publisher = {Wikimedia Foundation}, title = {Citation}, url = {https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Citation&oldid=1234567890}, }
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