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
Corporations, cultural institutions, luxury marques, and non-profits rely on Bassett Events to convert ambition into atmosphere and fundraisers into measurable impact.
—Malana Vantyler, USA Today, 27 Oct. 2025
The two institutions — along with PBS — have stood together at the core of public media for more than a half century.
—David Folkenflik, NPR, 27 Oct. 2025
Advocates warn that new cuts to Medicaid reimbursement rates of 3% to 10% could deepen an existing nursing shortage, forcing families to go without full coverage and pushing some patients into institutions.
—Nora O'Neill, Charlotte Observer, 27 Oct. 2025
In recent years there has been some effort by some Western academic institutions to right the wrongs of the past and return ancient ancestral remains and artifacts to their rightful tribal nations.
—Frank Vaisvilas, jsonline.com, 27 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for institution
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Malana Vantyler, USA Today, 27 Oct. 2025
The two institutions — along with PBS — have stood together at the core of public media for more than a half century.
—David Folkenflik, NPR, 27 Oct. 2025
Advocates warn that new cuts to Medicaid reimbursement rates of 3% to 10% could deepen an existing nursing shortage, forcing families to go without full coverage and pushing some patients into institutions.
—Nora O'Neill, Charlotte Observer, 27 Oct. 2025
In recent years there has been some effort by some Western academic institutions to right the wrongs of the past and return ancient ancestral remains and artifacts to their rightful tribal nations.
—Frank Vaisvilas, jsonline.com, 27 Oct. 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 31 Oct. 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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