institution

[ in-sti-too-shuhn, -tyoo- ]

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.

institution

/ 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 calledinstitutional 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

Derived Forms

• ˌinstiˈtutionary, adjective

Other Words From

• counter·insti·tution noun
• nonin·sti·tution noun
• rein·sti·tution noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of institution¹

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

Example Sentences

Academic institutions, scientific journals and conferences, and international organizations such as the World Health Organization have established a presence there in recent days.

From Science Magazine

It calls for reducing Medicaid payments to hospitals, which keep some institutions, especially rural hospitals, fiscally afloat.

From Los Angeles Times

The rich culture of these African and Caribbean communities can be experienced in restaurants, bars and cultural institutions.

From New York Times

"As our documents show, we have relied upon the most state-of-the-art testing protocols for decades and have been entirely transparent with government institutions and academic researchers regarding our findings."

From BBC

“We need an Education Secretary who understands these issues and will work alongside educators to secure more resources for public schools and protect the institution of public education,” he said.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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