Main Entry:

in·sti·tu·tion

Pronunciation:

\ˌin(t)-stə-ˈtü-shən, -ˈtyü-\

Function:

noun

Date:

14th century

1: an act of instituting : establishment2 a: 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> b: an established organization or corporation (as a bank or university) especially of a public character ; also : asylum 4