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
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Recent Examples on the Web
In a world of decaying institutions, the citizen-protector takes matters into his own hands.
—Rachel Monroe, The New Yorker, 23 Sep. 2023
Now, the 52-year-old executive is firmly presiding over the empire his father built — encompassing the most influential conservative media institutions in America — from an office suite on the L.A. studio lot.
—Meg James, Los Angeles Times, 22 Sep. 2023
Pharmacies, state and local health departments and the agencies and institutions that care for older Americans should work with community partners on intensive outreach in the upcoming weeks, standing up accessible clinics with convenient hours that offer all three vaccinations.
—Time, 22 Sep. 2023
Athletes are ensuring their financial futures by managing their brands efficiently and securely with the help and support of institutions like City National Bank.
—Bob Verini, Variety, 21 Sep. 2023
At every point of the compass, Beijing is laying the foundations of its new international order and shaping places and institutions outside its borders in its image.
—Washington Post Staff, Washington Post, 21 Sep. 2023
Aisha Francis, president and CEO of Benjamin Franklin Cummings Institute of Technology, said Tuesday that the diversity of institutions in New England is important, and worth protecting.
—Globe Staff, BostonGlobe.com, 19 Sep. 2023
And large numbers of remains recovered from Illinois are held by institutions in other states.
—John O’Connor and Melissa Perez Winder, The Christian Science Monitor, 19 Sep. 2023
The institution in Princess Anne in Somerset County became a land-grant university only after a law passed in 1890 made the funds contingent on designating a separate college for Black students, or proving race was not an admissions factor at College Park.
—Dan Belson, Baltimore Sun, 19 Sep. 2023
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Rachel Monroe, The New Yorker, 23 Sep. 2023
Now, the 52-year-old executive is firmly presiding over the empire his father built — encompassing the most influential conservative media institutions in America — from an office suite on the L.A. studio lot.
—Meg James, Los Angeles Times, 22 Sep. 2023
Pharmacies, state and local health departments and the agencies and institutions that care for older Americans should work with community partners on intensive outreach in the upcoming weeks, standing up accessible clinics with convenient hours that offer all three vaccinations.
—Time, 22 Sep. 2023
Athletes are ensuring their financial futures by managing their brands efficiently and securely with the help and support of institutions like City National Bank.
—Bob Verini, Variety, 21 Sep. 2023
At every point of the compass, Beijing is laying the foundations of its new international order and shaping places and institutions outside its borders in its image.
—Washington Post Staff, Washington Post, 21 Sep. 2023
Aisha Francis, president and CEO of Benjamin Franklin Cummings Institute of Technology, said Tuesday that the diversity of institutions in New England is important, and worth protecting.
—Globe Staff, BostonGlobe.com, 19 Sep. 2023
And large numbers of remains recovered from Illinois are held by institutions in other states.
—John O’Connor and Melissa Perez Winder, The Christian Science Monitor, 19 Sep. 2023
The institution in Princess Anne in Somerset County became a land-grant university only after a law passed in 1890 made the funds contingent on designating a separate college for Black students, or proving race was not an admissions factor at College Park.
—Dan Belson, Baltimore Sun, 19 Sep. 2023
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These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'institution.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2
Time Traveler
The first known use of institution was
in the 15th century
Phrases Containing institution
Dictionary Entries Near institution
Cite this Entry
“Institution.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/institution. Accessed 4 Oct. 2023.
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Kids 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
Legal Definition
institution
noun
in·sti·tu·tion
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
More from Merriam-Webster on institution
Nglish: Translation of institution for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of institution for Arabic Speakers
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about institution
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