institution
noun
in·sti·tu·tion
ˌin(t)-stə-ˈtü-shən 
-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.
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
Recent Examples on the Web
In addition to being a measure of state power, hegemony reflects the ability of a single nation to influence both the actions of others and the rules, norms and institutions that govern international politics.
—Andrew Latham, The Conversation, 30 May 2025
Regional context also incentivizes institutions to better serve their local economies.
—Matt Gandal, Forbes.com, 30 May 2025
The bill also calls for the State Department of Education to conduct random surprise visits at private special education institutions.
—Emilia Otte, Hartford Courant, 30 May 2025
As the price of tuition at institutions across the country grows, questions about the true value of a college education abound in higher education.
—Kate Marijolovic, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 30 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for institution
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Andrew Latham, The Conversation, 30 May 2025
Regional context also incentivizes institutions to better serve their local economies.
—Matt Gandal, Forbes.com, 30 May 2025
The bill also calls for the State Department of Education to conduct random surprise visits at private special education institutions.
—Emilia Otte, Hartford Courant, 30 May 2025
As the price of tuition at institutions across the country grows, questions about the true value of a college education abound in higher education.
—Kate Marijolovic, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 30 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for institution
Cite this Entry
“Institution.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/institution. Accessed 3 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
institution
noun
in·sti·tu·tion
ˌin(t)-stə-ˈt(y)ü-shən
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
b
institutional
adjective
-shnəl
-shən-ᵊl
institutionally
adverb
-ē
Medical Definition
institution
noun
in·sti·tu·tion
ˌin(t)-stə-ˈt(y)ü-shən
: 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
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