institute

1 of 2

noun

in·​sti·​tute ˈin(t)-stə-ˌtüt How to pronounce institute (audio)
-ˌtyüt
: something that is instituted: such as
a
: an organization for the promotion of a cause : association
a research institute
an institute for the blind
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
an urban studies institute
d(1)
: an elementary principle recognized as authoritative
(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

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
But the institute outlined its selection process, which includes multiple stages before selection. Herb Scribner, Washington Post, 18 Apr. 2024 Amid financial hardships hitting film festivals more broadly last year, the institute laid off 6% of its staff. Mark Olsen, Los Angeles Times, 17 Apr. 2024 Another older set of ruins was also found at the site, the institute said. Aspen Pflughoeft, Miami Herald, 16 Apr. 2024 The institute indicated that while that could increase the overall population of unauthorized immigrants, the net change depends on numerous factors, including emigration rates. Caitlin Babcock, The Christian Science Monitor, 16 Apr. 2024 On top of that, federal research dollars flow to college labs and institutes. Philip Elliott, TIME, 12 Apr. 2024 The institute, which is funded by federal and state governments, is dedicated to furthering research in the natural sciences, life sciences, and humanities. IEEE Spectrum, 31 Mar. 2024 ProPublica staffers will continue to serve as trainers at the institute this year. Vianna Davila, ProPublica, 25 Mar. 2024 The institute's list of participating libraries includes these 14 metro Phoenix libraries: Phoenix Public Library, which has solar eclipse events at eight of its branches. Michael Salerno, The Arizona Republic, 4 Apr. 2024
Verb
Most states instituted bans, and many major cable providers refused to air the fights. Emmanuel Morgan, New York Times, 13 Apr. 2024 But instituting these local protections could be an uphill battle, said Rep. Susan Ruiz, a Shawnee Democrat who is a lesbian. Jenna Barackman, Kansas City Star, 10 Apr. 2024 Taiwan also instituted an earthquake alert system, though the system malfunctioned on Wednesday. Emily Feng, NPR, 4 Apr. 2024 Like Denver, New York and Chicago have struggled to provide enough resources and housing to keep up with the influx and have instituted measures to conserve their budgets, including shelter evictions. Daniella Silva, NBC News, 4 Apr. 2024 The Gregorian calendar, instituted by Pope Gregory XIII, went into effect in 1582. Carlie Procell, USA TODAY, 26 Mar. 2024 Size Up Your Bag Many airlines have instituted strict size limits for carry-on bags, which are stringently enforced by eagle-eyed gate agents. Eric Rosen, Travel + Leisure, 22 Mar. 2024 It’s instituted new rules through the Digital Markets Act to place a check on the power of gatekeepers of large platforms, several of which are operated by Apple. Lauren Feiner, The Verge, 21 Mar. 2024 Among others, the officials said, Israel would promise to institute more measures to reduce civilian casualties and to empower negotiators brokering a temporary cease-fire deal in exchange for the release of hostages. Peter Baker, New York Times, 4 Apr. 2024

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

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

1546, in the meaning defined above

Verb

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of institute was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near institute

Cite this Entry

“Institute.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/institute. Accessed 23 Apr. 2024.

Kids Definition

institute

1 of 2 verb
in·​sti·​tute ˈin(t)-stə-ˌt(y)üt How to pronounce institute (audio)
instituted; instituting
1
: to set up : establish
instituted a new policy
2
: to set going : begin
institute an investigation
instituter noun
or institutor

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

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