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.
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
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
Forbes compiled a list of the top 500 higher education institutions in the country by looking at alumni salaries, retention and graduation rates and amount of student debt, among other factors.
—Eleanor Nash, Kansas City Star, 9 Sep. 2025
Other institutions can also help raise awareness for special education issues and create a culture of respect for students and teachers.
—IndyStar, 8 Sep. 2025
Gen Z came of age in this environment, a generation with limited trust in institutions—and in each other.
—Alice Lassman, Time, 8 Sep. 2025
From Harlem’s iconic cultural institutions to Brooklyn’s creative hubs, NYC’s Black singles thrive in a landscape of endless possibilities and community pride.
—Elizabeth Ayoola, Essence, 8 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for institution
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Eleanor Nash, Kansas City Star, 9 Sep. 2025
Other institutions can also help raise awareness for special education issues and create a culture of respect for students and teachers.
—IndyStar, 8 Sep. 2025
Gen Z came of age in this environment, a generation with limited trust in institutions—and in each other.
—Alice Lassman, Time, 8 Sep. 2025
From Harlem’s iconic cultural institutions to Brooklyn’s creative hubs, NYC’s Black singles thrive in a landscape of endless possibilities and community pride.
—Elizabeth Ayoola, Essence, 8 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for institution
Cite this Entry
“Institution.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/institution. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationKids 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
institutional
adjective
-shnəl
-shən-ᵊl
institutionally
adverb
-ē
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
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