Harvard format

noun

The author-date method of parenthetical referencing, one of several standard formats for citing information from any source bibliographically.

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Meanings

nounHarvard format (uncountable)
  1. uncountableThe author-date method of parenthetical referencing, one of several standard formats for citing information from any source bibliographically.

Origin

So named because Harvard University was a place where its use was common, at a time when today's generic names for referencing systems (author-date and author-number) hadn't yet acquired any degree of establishment.

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Cite this entry
APA

Harvard format. (n.d.). In WatkinsX Dictionary. Retrieved November 2, 2026, from https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/Harvard%20format

MLA

“Harvard format.” WatkinsX Dictionary, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/Harvard%20format. Accessed November 2, 2026.

Chicago

WatkinsX Dictionary, s.v. “Harvard format,” accessed November 2, 2026, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/Harvard%20format.

Source: Harvard format on Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.