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How to Cite Wikipedia in MLA (9th edition)

Learn how to cite Wikipedia articles and wiki entries 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 Wikipedia in your Works Cited page:

"Title of Article." Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, Day Month Year, en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Title_of_Article&oldid=123456789.

MLA In-Text Citation

Use one of these formats when referencing this source within your paper:

Parenthetical

("Title of Article")

Narrative

The Wikipedia entry "Title of Article" notes...

Key MLA Formatting Rules

  • Omit the author and put the article title in quotation marks.
  • List Wikipedia as the container (italicized), followed by the publisher, Wikimedia Foundation.
  • Give the date the page was last edited in day-month-year order.
  • End with the permalink URL; add an access date because Wikipedia content changes.

Step-by-Step Guide

  1. Gather source information: Collect the author name, title, publication date, and URL or DOI for your Wikipedia.
  2. Format the reference: Arrange the elements following the MLA (9th edition) template shown above.
  3. Create the in-text citation: Add a parenthetical or narrative citation in your paper where you reference this source.
  4. Add to your Works Cited: Include the full formatted citation at the end of your paper.
  5. Double-check formatting: Verify italics, punctuation, capitalization, and hanging indents match MLA requirements.

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Cite Wikipedia in Other Styles

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