ˌɪnstəˈtuːʃən 
British ˌɪnstəˈtjuːʃən
plural institutions
1
a
: an established organization
an educational/academic institution
banks and other financial institutions
an institution of higher learning
b
: a place where an organization takes care of people for a usually long period of time
She committed herself to a mental institution. [=a hospital for people with mental or emotional problems]
a correctional institution [=a prison]
2
a
: a custom, practice, or law that is accepted and used by many people
Family visits are a Thanksgiving institution.
She's not interested in the institution of marriage.
the institution of slavery
b
: someone or something that is very well known and established in a particular field or place
He is an institution in local politics. [=he has participated in local politics for such a long time that people consider him to be a regular part of local politics]
The play has become something of an institution on Broadway.
3
: the act of beginning or creating something (such as a new law, rule, or system) : the act of instituting something
the institution of new rules and regulations
Cite this Entry
“Institution.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/institution. Accessed 19 Jun. 2026.
Copy Citation
