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
Flashback: Trump on campus protests Trump has harshly criticized institutions for allowing such protests, promising to halt unruly protests.
—Sarah Rumpf-Whitten, Fox News, 30 Jan. 2025
However, critics contend that diverting federal funds to private institutions could further weaken public schools, leaving those without access to alternative education options at a disadvantage.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 30 Jan. 2025
Individual investors took advantage of the slide in Nvidia and other technology plays on Monday, but institutions stayed away, according to JPMorgan.
—Alex Harring, CNBC, 30 Jan. 2025
Responsible for programming and producing all musical theater titles at the historic institution, Gersten will continue to build on the innovation and diverse artistic voices that have brought ongoing success to City Center’s Encores!
—Greg Evans, Deadline, 30 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for institution 
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Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
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Sarah Rumpf-Whitten, Fox News, 30 Jan. 2025
However, critics contend that diverting federal funds to private institutions could further weaken public schools, leaving those without access to alternative education options at a disadvantage.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 30 Jan. 2025
Individual investors took advantage of the slide in Nvidia and other technology plays on Monday, but institutions stayed away, according to JPMorgan.
—Alex Harring, CNBC, 30 Jan. 2025
Responsible for programming and producing all musical theater titles at the historic institution, Gersten will continue to build on the innovation and diverse artistic voices that have brought ongoing success to City Center’s Encores!
—Greg Evans, Deadline, 30 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for institution
Dictionary Entries Near institution
Cite this Entry
“Institution.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/institution. Accessed 2 Feb. 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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