institute

1 of 2

noun

in·​sti·​tute ˈin(t)-stə-ˌtüt 

-ˌtyüt

plural institutes

: something that is instituted: such as

a

: an organization for the promotion of a cause : association

a research institute

b

: an educational institution and especially one devoted to technical fields

c

: a usually brief intensive course of instruction on selected topics relating to a particular field

Teachers attended a summer institute and a series of one-day seminars during the school year.

—Tom Loveless

d(1)

: an elementary principle recognized as authoritative

If the students in their first one or two years were taught the institutes of medicine, … it would be perfectly easy to have those subjects taught thoroughly and effectually …

—Thomas Henry Huxley

(2)

institutes plural : a collection of such principles and precepts

especially : a legal compendium

institute

2 of 2

verb

instituted; instituting

transitive verb

1

a

: to originate and get established : organize

b

: to set going : inaugurate

instituting an investigation

2

: to establish in a position or office

instituter noun

or institutor

ˈin(t)-stə-ˌtü-tər 

-ˌtyü-

Synonyms of institute

Noun

• organization
• institution
• association
• society
• chamber
• fraternity
• council
• consortium
• board

Verb

• pioneer
• establish
• initiate
• found
• launch
• introduce
• create
• inaugurate

Examples of institute in a Sentence

Noun

They founded an institute for research into the causes of mental illness.

the Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Verb

By instituting these programs, we hope to improve our children's education.

They have instituted new policies to increase public safety.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

The institute’s then counsel, Kris Kobach, joined a coalition of state lawmakers to promote the compact, which was introduced in several states and passed in none. —Rachel Morris, New Yorker, 14 Nov. 2025

In the current judgment, the court wants adequate fencing, boundary walls and gates around education institutes and hospitals within eight weeks. —Rajeev Tyagi, ABC News, 13 Nov. 2025

Verb

In the body of the report, Barofsky praises the union for instituting new policies on hiring and filling open jobs. —Liam Rappleye, Freep.com, 14 Nov. 2025

Some Republicans have shown interest in addressing the subsidies, but want to institute reforms like fraud prevention and income caps. —Barbara Sprunt, NPR, 12 Nov. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Verb

Middle English, from Latin institutus, past participle of instituere, from in- + statuere to set up — more at statute

First Known Use

Noun

1534, in the meaning defined above

Verb

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Rhymes for institute

• absolute
• arrowroot
• attribute
• bitterroot
• constitute
• convolute
• destitute
• disrepute
• dissolute
• execute
• involute
• kiwifruit

Kids Definition

institute

1 of 2 verb

in·​sti·​tute ˈin(t)-stə-ˌt(y)üt 

instituted; instituting

1

: to set up : establish

instituted a new policy

2

: to set going : begin

institute an investigation

instituter noun

or institutor

-ˌt(y)üt-ər 

institute

2 of 2 noun

1

: a basic principle

2

a

: an organization for the support of a cause : association

an institute for scientific research

b

: a place for study usually in a special field

an art institute

Legal Definition

institute

1 of 2 transitive verb

in·​sti·​tute

instituted; instituting

1

: to establish in a particular position or office

specifically, in the civil law of Louisiana : to appoint as heir see also instituted heir at heir

2

: to get started : bring

institute a lawsuit

institute

2 of 2 noun

1

: an elementary principle recognized as authoritative

2

plural : a collection of principles

especially : a legal compendium