institution

American  

[in-sti-too-shuhn, -tyoo-] / ˌɪn stɪˈtu ʃən, -ˈtyu- /

noun

1. an organization, establishment, foundation, society, or the like, devoted to the promotion of a particular cause or program, especially one of a public, educational, or charitable character.

   This college is the best institution of its kind.

2. the building occupied by such an establishment.

3. a public or private place for the care or confinement of inmates, especially mental patients or other persons with physical or mental disabilities.

4. Sociology. a well-established and structured pattern of behavior or of relationships that is accepted as a fundamental part of a culture, as marriage.

   the institution of the family.

5. any established law, custom, etc.

6. any familiar, long-established person, thing, or practice; fixture.

7. the act of instituting or setting up; establishment.

   the institution of laws.

8. Ecclesiastical.

   1. the origination of the Eucharist, and enactment of its observance, by Christ.

   2. the investment of a member of the clergy with a spiritual charge.

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institution British  

/ ˌɪnstɪˈtjuːʃən /

noun

1. the act of instituting

2. an organization or establishment founded for a specific purpose, such as a hospital, church, company, or college

3. the building where such an organization is situated

4. an established custom, law, or relationship in a society or community

5. Also called: institutional investor.  a large organization, such as an insurance company, bank, or pension fund, that has substantial sums to invest on a stock exchange

6. informal a constant feature or practice

   Jones' drink at the bar was an institution

7. the appointment or admission of an incumbent to an ecclesiastical office or pastoral charge

8. Christian theol the creation of a sacrament by Christ, esp the Eucharist

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Other Word Forms

• counterinstitution noun
• institutionary adjective
• noninstitution noun
• reinstitution noun

Etymology

Origin of institution

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English, from Latin institūtiōn-, stem of institūtiō; equivalent to institute + -ion

Example Sentences

The Church of England will be the latest institution to issue an apology for its role in forced adoptions.

From BBC • Apr. 8, 2026

A “significant portion” of Iran’s oil revenue was deposited at the institution as of 2022, according to the U.S.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 7, 2026

Phil now adds what it has been missing in what the institution calls its team of creative collaborators.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 7, 2026

Prof Ashley Brown, a consultant at St Mary's who has worked at the institution for 25 years, said "singing is good for the heart".

From BBC • Apr. 5, 2026

Just how much of a role the neurological plays in music making and perception and how much is governed by music as a cultural institution remains to be seen.

From "Music and the Child" by Natalie Sarrazin

Related Words

• academy
• association
• business
• clinic
• company
• establishment
• foundation
• hospital
• institute
• school
• society
• system
• university