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 West has lectured and spoken at several institutions including Yale University, University of Michigan, the Dramatists Guild, Howard University and the Shubert Organization. Brent Lang, Variety, 14 Mar. 2024 The University of Arizona has been drafting a climate action plan that would help the university reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2040, but this bill could open the institution up to litigation for addressing climate change. Hayleigh Evans, The Arizona Republic, 13 Mar. 2024 Synagogues, schools, Holocaust museums, as well as other Jewish institutions and businesses, have been attacked and vandalized. Richard Trank, The Hollywood Reporter, 13 Mar. 2024 The royal institution has backed itself into a corner here. Louis Staples, Rolling Stone, 13 Mar. 2024 Voters also want reforms in other state institutions, including education, health care, and the social security system. Foreign Affairs, 12 Mar. 2024 The royal-photo debacle is merely a microcosm of our current moment, where trust in both governing institutions and gatekeeping organizations such as the mainstream press is low. Charlie Warzel, The Atlantic, 11 Mar. 2024 Oversee any life changes that require you to deal with institutions, experts and authority figures. Eugenia Last, The Mercury News, 2 Mar. 2024 The college's enrollment decline fits with the trend among the 16 institutions in the public technical college system. Journal Sentinel, 1 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'institution.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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 19 Mar. 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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