institution

noun

in·​sti·​tu·​tion ˌin(t)-stə-ˈtü-shən 

-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

Synonyms

• establishment
• foundation
• institute

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

While the rules may vary depending on the institution, there are basic guidelines. —Jazmin Towe, Parents, 19 Apr. 2024

Of course, not all institutions have the resources to employ thousands of students themselves. —Byjane Swift, Fortune, 19 Apr. 2024

Unfortunately, the institution he’s employed by is under critical review by government authorities, and in sore need of good PR. —Dennis Harvey, Variety, 18 Apr. 2024

National institutions were the lowest across the spectrum. —Medora Lee, USA TODAY, 18 Apr. 2024

His post—which was inaccurate in that E.U. institutions have committed close to twenty billion dollars more than the U.S. to Ukraine—stopped short of attacking Johnson or directly calling for the bill’s defeat. —Susan B. Glasser, The New Yorker, 18 Apr. 2024

Discarding high-value cards—including strong alliances and influence in international institutions—would be a serious mistake. —TIME, 17 Apr. 2024

In an institution known for its curveballs as much as tradition, one thing is certain. —Emma Bowman, NPR, 17 Apr. 2024

Some accused him of degrading the institution of the Senate and the Constitution itself. —Luke Broadwater, New York Times, 17 Apr. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Phrases Containing institution

• correctional institution
• counter-institution
• financial institution
• institution of higher learning
• mental institution
• penal institution

Kids Definition

institution

noun

in·​sti·​tu·​tion ˌin(t)-stə-ˈt(y)ü-shən 

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

b

: asylum sense 3

institutional

-shnəl

-shən-ᵊl

adjective

institutionally

-ē

adverb

Medical Definition

institution

noun

in·​sti·​tu·​tion ˌin(t)-stə-ˈt(y)ü-shən 

: 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