institution

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noun in·sti·tu·tion \ˌin(t)-stə-ˈtü-shən, -ˈtyü-\

Definition of institution

1 : an act of instituting : establishment
2a : 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 theaterb : an established organization or corporation (such as a bank or university) especially of a public character financial institutionsc : 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.

See institution defined for English-language learners

See institution defined for kids

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 of institution from the Web

The most frightening aspect of Mr. Trump’s approach is the seeming contempt for the rules and institutions that have underpinned global trade since World War II.

— eduardo porter, New York Times, "Trump’s Trade Choice: Follow the Postwar Order or Blow It Up", 4 July 2017
Brooks laid out the difference in the type of appeals an institution or individual can file.

— jeff greer, The Courier-Journal, "Compliance experts on Louisville case: NCAA appeals process an uphill battle", 30 June 2017
The Court Street market, a Findlay-like institution, was long gone when Len Bleh bought Avril's from Ferd and Werth Avril.

— polly campbell, Cincinnati.com, "What's old is new again at Downtown meat market Avril Bleh", 30 June 2017
The justices noted that a family member, employer, or educational institution inside the country would qualify.

— matt ford, The Atlantic, "Trump's Travel Ban Returns", 29 June 2017
In 2014, CIT Group, a large financial institution then run by former Goldman partner John Thain, bought OneWest for $3.4 billion in cash and CIT stock.

— vanityfair.com, "The Untold Story of How Gary Cohn Fell for Donald Trump", 24 June 2017
The shop has been a Beverly institution for more than 50 years and Dix and Thielmann are only the third owners in its history.

— bob bong, Daily Southtown, "New owners promise business as usual at Swanson's Deli", 20 June 2017
Kaiser Permanente, one of the more conservative medical institutions in the country, is on board, too.

— rene chun, Los Angeles Magazine, "Inside the Los Angeles Clinic That Uses Ketamine to Treat Depression", 19 June 2017
From 1989 onward, the collective has been tracking gender representation in some of the world’s most well-renowned art institutions, and the male gaze remains alive and well.

— dayna evans, The Cut, "The Female Artists Exploring Women’s Sexuality Through Their Work", 19 June 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'institution'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of institution

15th century

INSTITUTION Defined for English Language Learners

institution

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noun

Definition of institution for English Language Learners

: an established organization
: a place where an organization takes care of people for a usually long period of time
: a custom, practice, or law that is accepted and used by many people

INSTITUTION Defined for Kids

institution

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noun in·sti·tu·tion \ˌin-stə-ˈtü-shən, -ˈtyü-\

Definition of institution for Students

1 : the beginning or establishment of something the institution of new rules
2 : an established custom, practice, or law Turkey dinners are a Thanksgiving institution.
3 : an established organization business institutions

Medical Dictionary

institution

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

Medical Definition of institution

: 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

Law Dictionary

institution

noun in·sti·tu·tion

Legal Definition of institution

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