installation

American  

[in-stuh-ley-shuhn] / ˌɪn stəˈleɪ ʃən /

noun

1. something installed, as machinery or apparatus placed in position or connected for use.

2. the act of installing.

3. the fact of being installed.

4. Military. any more or less permanent post, camp, station, base, or the like, for the support or carrying on of military activities.

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installation British  

/ ˌɪnstəˈleɪʃən /

noun

1. the act of installing or the state of being installed

2. a large device, system, or piece of equipment that has been installed

3. a military establishment usually serving in a support role

4. an art exhibit often involving video or moving parts where the relation of the parts to the whole is important to the interpretation of the piece

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Other Word Forms

• preinstallation
  noun
• reinstallation
  noun

Etymology

Origin of installation

First recorded in 1600–10, installation is from the Medieval Latin word installātiōn- (stem of installātiō ). See install, -ation

Explanation

Installation is the process of putting something in a position so it can work properly. If the installation of the new dishwasher goes badly, you'll end up with water all over the kitchen floor. Installation is frequently used for appliances and machinery, like the installation of a fountain in your yard or the installation of a fan in your attic to help the house stay cool. You can also use it for people being set up in new positions or jobs: "The installation of a new president has been positive for the university." When artists talk about installations, they mean semi-permanent art exhibits: "The video installation in the museum's elevator is very innovative."

Example Sentences

There is beauty in even the smallest action and output from Saar — something Barbatti wanted people to feel in the installation.

From Los Angeles Times • May 7, 2026

And while oil prices fell, they held most of the huge gains seen Monday after the two countries traded fire over the key waterway and the United Arab Emirates reported on an installation.

From Barron's • May 5, 2026

While there’s less floor space dedicated to the permanent collection, a new installation of intimately scaled works offers a more insightful overview of its holdings than the earlier display.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 1, 2026

Westminster City Council has told the BBC it did not grant permission, as it was not given advance warning that Banksy's team was planning this installation.

From BBC • May 1, 2026

Only a short time after becoming queen, Cleopatra took part in the installation of the Buchis bull—one of the divine animals worshipped by the Egyptians.

From "Sterling Biographies®: Cleopatra: Egypt's Last and Greatest Queen" by Susan Blackaby

Related Words

• base
• establishment
• machinery
• plant
• station
• system
• wiring