constitution

noun

con·​sti·​tu·​tion ˌkän(t)-stə-ˈtü-shən 

-ˈtyü-

1

a

: the basic principles and laws of a nation, state, or social group that determine the powers and duties of the government and guarantee certain rights to the people in it

b

: a written instrument embodying the rules of a political or social organization

2

a

: the physical makeup of the individual especially with respect to the health, strength, and appearance of the body

a hearty constitution

b

: the structure, composition, physical makeup, or nature of something

the constitution of society

3

: the mode in which a state or society is organized

especially : the manner in which sovereign power is distributed

4

: an established law or custom : ordinance

5

: the act of establishing, making, or setting up

before the constitution of civil laws

constitutionless

ˌkän(t)-stə-ˈtü-shən-ləs 

-ˈtyü-

adjective

Did you know?

Constitution was constituted in 14th-century English as a word indicating an established law or custom. It is from Latin constitutus, the past participle of constituere, meaning "to set up," which is based on an agreement of the prefix com- ("with, together, jointly") with the verb statuere ("to set or place"). Statuere is the root of statute, which, like constitution, has a legal background; it refers to a set law, rule, or regulation. Constitution is also the name for a system of laws and principles by which a country, state, or organization is governed or the document written as a record of them. Outside of law, the word is used in reference to the physical health or condition of the body ("a person of hearty constitution") or to the form or structure of something ("the molecular constitution of the chemical").

Synonyms

• character
• clay
• colors
• complexion
• genius
• nature
• personality
• self
• tone

Examples of constitution in a Sentence

The state's constitution has strict rules about what tax money can be used for.

Members of the club have drafted a new constitution.

The state's original constitution is on display at the museum.

He has a robust constitution.

Only animals with strong constitutions are able to survive the island's harsh winters.

What is the molecular constitution of the chemical?

Recent Examples on the Web

The transportation tax extension does not amend the constitution. —Taylor Seely, The Arizona Republic, 5 Dec. 2024

His martial law declaration was originally invalid and a grave violation of the constitution. —Mark R. Weaver, Newsweek, 4 Dec. 2024

The ambition to join the bloc is also enshrined in Georgia's constitution. —David Brennan, ABC News, 2 Dec. 2024

France is by its constitution a secular country with a strict division between church and state. —Chris Morris, Fortune Europe, 29 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

see constitute

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 4

Phrases Containing constitution

• unwritten constitution

Podcast

Get Word of the Day delivered to your inbox!

Kids Definition

constitution

noun

con·​sti·​tu·​tion ˌkän(t)-stə-ˈt(y)ü-shən 

1

: the act of establishing, making, or setting up

2

a

: the physical makeup of an individual

b

: the structure, composition, or basic qualities of something

3

a

: the basic beliefs and laws of a nation, state, or social group that establish the powers and duties of the government and guarantee certain rights to the people in it

b

: a document containing a constitution

Medical Definition

constitution

noun

con·​sti·​tu·​tion ˌkän(t)-stə-ˈt(y)ü-shən 

1

: the physical makeup of the individual comprising inherited qualities modified by environment

2

: the structure of a compound as determined by the kind, number, and arrangement of atoms in its molecule

constitutional

-shnəl, -shən-ᵊl 

adjective

Legal Definition

constitution

noun

con·​sti·​tu·​tion

1

: the basic principles and laws of a nation, state, or social group that determine the powers and duties of the government and guarantee certain rights to the people in it

2

: a written instrument containing the fundamental rules of a political or social organization

especially, capitalized : the U.S. Constitution compare charter, declaration

Note: A constitution was originally simply a law, ordinance, or decree usually made by a king, emperor, or other superior authority. A constitution now usually contains the fundamental law and principles with which all other laws must conform. Unlike the U.S. Constitution, the British Constitution is not set down in a comprehensive document, but is found in a variety of statutes (as the Magna Carta) and in common law. Canada inherited many of the rules and practices that are considered part of the British Constitution, but the Constitution of Canada is also set down in comprehensive documents, such as the Constitution Act, 1982 and the Constitution Act, 1867 (formerly called the British North America Act, 1867).

Etymology

Latin constitutio system, fundamental principles (of an institution), from constituere to set up, establish