How to Cite an Encyclopedia Entry in APA Format

Citing an encyclopedia entry in APA format requires the author (if available), the entry title, the encyclopedia name, the publisher, and the URL for online entries. This format applies to both traditional encyclopedias and online encyclopedias like Wikipedia.

Basic Encyclopedia Entry Citation Format

The standard APA 7th edition format for an encyclopedia entry is:

Reference list entry:

Author, A. A. (Year). Title of entry. In Encyclopedia name. Publisher. https://www.example.com/entry

Parenthetical in-text citation: (Author, Year)

Narrative in-text citation: Author (Year)

In-Text Citation Examples

When you reference an encyclopedia entry within your paper, you have two options:

• Parenthetical: The disorder was first described in clinical literature in the 1940s (Smith, 2022).
• Narrative: Smith (2022) noted that the disorder was first described in clinical literature in the 1940s.

Common Variations

Wikipedia Entry

For Wikipedia, include a retrieval date because the content changes over time. Use the archived version URL when possible.

Cognitive behavioral therapy. (2024, March 10). In Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Cognitive_behavioral_therapy&oldid=example

In-text: (“Cognitive Behavioral Therapy,” 2024)

Entry with a Named Author

Smith, D. E. (2020). Relativity. In R. L. Jones (Ed.), Encyclopedia of physics (2nd ed., pp. 340-355). Academic Press.

Online Encyclopedia Entry with No Author

Title of entry. (Year). In Encyclopedia name. Publisher. https://www.example.com/entry

Tips for Citing Encyclopedia Entries

• Do not italicize the entry title. Only the encyclopedia name is italicized.
• Include a retrieval date for entries that change over time, such as Wikipedia articles.
• Include the editor’s name for print encyclopedias with named editors.
• Use the archived URL for Wikipedia entries to link to the exact version you referenced.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it acceptable to cite Wikipedia in academic papers? APA provides a format for citing Wikipedia, but many instructors discourage its use. Check with your instructor or publication guidelines before citing Wikipedia.

How do I cite an entire encyclopedia rather than a single entry? Cite the editors of the encyclopedia as you would an edited book. Use (Ed.) or (Eds.) after the names.

What if the encyclopedia is only available online? Include the URL and omit the publisher if the publisher is the same as the encyclopedia name.