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

Notably, it created a reporting unit for its crown-jewel Services business, which helps move money around the globe for big companies and institutions.

From The Wall Street Journal

"Girl with a Pearl Earring is one of the most famous paintings in the world... It is therefore loaned to other institutions only in highly exceptional circumstances," said the Mauritshuis.

From Barron's

Allegheny County Executive Sara Innamorato called the closure a loss “when it comes to transparency in government, accountability from our institutions, and learning about what is happening in our communities.”

From The Wall Street Journal

It recognized borders that are kept, institutions that function, and a population that chose ballots over bombs.

From The Wall Street Journal

Rodriguez has the avowed loyalty of Venezuela's military and state institutions: her brother is the influential head of parliament.

From Barron's

Related Words

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