institution

[ in-sti-too-shuh n, -tyoo- ]

/ ˌɪn stɪˈtu ʃən, -ˈtyu- /

SEE SYNONYMS FOR institution ON THESAURUS.COM

noun

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.

the building devoted to such work.

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

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.

any established law, custom, etc.

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

the act of instituting or setting up; establishment: the institution of laws.

Ecclesiastical.

the origination of the Eucharist, and enactment of its observance, by Christ.
the investment of a member of the clergy with a spiritual charge.

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decorum

the act of or need for making up one's mind.

dignified propriety of behavior, speech, dress, etc.

a company of singers, especially an organized group employed in church service.

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Origin of institution

1350–1400; Middle English < Latin institūtiōn- (stem of institūtiō). See institute, -ion

OTHER WORDS FROM institution

coun·ter·in·sti·tu·tion, nounnon·in·sti·tu·tion, nounre·in·sti·tu·tion, noun

Words nearby institution

instinct, instinctive, institute, instituter, institutes, institution, institutional, institutional investor, institutionalism, institutionalize, institutionary

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2020

Example sentences from the Web for institution

“The institution of marraige [sic] is under attack in our society and it needs to be strengthened,” Bush wrote.
Jeb Bush’s Unseen Anti-Gay Marriage Emails|Jackie Kucinich|January 9, 2015|DAILY BEAST
Because the shop was emblematic of that peculiar Italian institution known as La Faccia: i.e. presenting the best face possible.
The Bookstore That Bewitched Mick Jagger, John Lennon, and Greta Garbo|Felice Picano|December 16, 2014|DAILY BEAST
A TNR alum dives deep in what happened with the 100-year-old institution.
The Daily Beast’s Best Longreads, Dec 8-14, 2014|William Boot|December 13, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Any institution striving to examine such an iconic figure would find formidable challenges.
The Virgin Mary Lookbook|William O’Connor|December 7, 2014|DAILY BEAST

He could get SSI income and Medicaid if he were living in an institution.
Medicaid Will Give You Money for At-Home Care, but You Might Wait Years|Elizabeth Picciuto|December 2, 2014|DAILY BEAST
She represented, not the institution of the family, but the institution of the Church.
Woman in Modern Society|Earl Barnes
On the other hand, it is maintained that there is an abundant field for both day school and institution.
The Deaf|Harry Best
The main question, the institution of a Senate, was not seriously debated.
Lectures on the French Revolution|John Emerich Edward Dalberg-Acton
It had been almost a year since I had left the Romish institution.
The Demands of Rome|Elizabeth Schoffen
The “institution” is even more odious under Mormon than Mohammed.
The Wild Huntress|Mayne Reid

British Dictionary definitions for institution

institution

/ (ˌɪnstɪˈtjuːʃən) /

noun

the act of instituting

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

the building where such an organization is situated

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

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

informal a constant feature or practiceJones' drink at the bar was an institution

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

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

Derived forms of institution

institutionary, adjective

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

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institution

noun

QUIZZES

DO YOU KNOW THIS VOCABULARY FROM "THE HANDMAID'S TALE"?

Origin of institution

OTHER WORDS FROM institution

Words nearby institution

Example sentences from the Web for institution

British Dictionary definitions for institution

noun

Derived forms of institution

MEANINGS

WORD GAMES

LEARN

WRITING

WORD OF THE DAY

institution

noun

QUIZZES

DO YOU KNOW THIS VOCABULARY FROM "THE HANDMAID'S TALE"?

Origin of institution

OTHER WORDS FROM institution

Words nearby institution

Words related to institution

Example sentences from the Web for institution

British Dictionary definitions for institution

noun

Derived forms of institution