institution

noun

in·​sti·​tu·​tion ˌin(t)-stə-ˈtü-shən How to pronounce institution (audio)
-ˈtyü-
1
a
: an established organization or corporation (such as a bank or university) especially of a public character
financial institutions
b
: a facility or establishment in which people (such as the sick or needy) live and receive care typically in a confined setting and often without individual consent
… the testator disinherited her siblings over their efforts to have her committed to a mental institution in the wake of several suicide attempts.William M. McGovern, Jr.
c
: a significant practice, relationship, or organization in a society or culture
the institution of marriage
also : something or someone firmly associated with a place or thing
she has become an institution in the theater
2
: an act of instituting : establishment

Examples of institution in a Sentence

banks and other financial institutions an institution of higher learning Family visits are a Thanksgiving institution. She's not interested in the institution of marriage. The play has become something of an institution on Broadway. the institution of new rules and regulations
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Furthermore, the global rules of the game have changed since 2017, when existing U.S. initiatives, coalitions, and institutions still had a lot of juice. Daniel W. Drezner, Foreign Affairs, 12 Nov. 2024 As the country grapples with polarization and declining trust in institutions, this could help restore faith in politics. Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2024 Form strategic partnerships with hardware providers, algorithm developers and academic institutions to co-develop tailored solutions that address your industry-specific challenges. Yuval Boger, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024 Shah also floated a permanent BBC charter, bringing the company in line with other institutions such as the Bank of England or U.K. Sport. Georg Szalai, The Hollywood Reporter, 5 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for institution 

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of institution was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near institution

Cite this Entry

“Institution.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/institution. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

institution

noun
in·​sti·​tu·​tion ˌin(t)-stə-ˈt(y)ü-shən How to pronounce institution (audio)
1
: the act of instituting : establishment
2
: an established custom, practice, or law in a society or culture
the institution of marriage
turkey dinner is a Thanksgiving institution
3
a
: an established organization or corporation and especially one of a public nature
educational institutions
a financial institution
institutional
-shnəl
-shən-ᵊl
adjective
institutionally
adverb

Medical Definition

institution

noun
in·​sti·​tu·​tion ˌin(t)-stə-ˈt(y)ü-shən How to pronounce institution (audio)
: a facility or establishment in which people (such as the sick or needy) live and receive care typically in a confined setting and often without individual consent
a mental institution

Legal Definition

institution

noun
in·​sti·​tu·​tion
1
: the act of instituting
2
: a significant practice, relationship, or organization in a society or culture
the institution of marriage
3
: an established organization or corporation especially of a public character
specifically : a facility for the treatment or training of persons with mental deficiencies

More from Merriam-Webster on institution

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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