institution

noun

in·​sti·​tu·​tion ˌin(t)-stə-ˈtü-shən How to pronounce institution (audio)
-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.
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 See More
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 See More

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

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.

Kids Definition

institution

noun
in·​sti·​tu·​tion ˌin(t)-stə-ˈt(y)ü-shən How to pronounce institution (audio)
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
institutional
-shnəl
-shən-ᵊl
adjective
institutionally
adverb

Medical Definition

institution

noun
in·​sti·​tu·​tion ˌin(t)-stə-ˈt(y)ü-shən How to pronounce institution (audio)
: 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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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