Definition of INSTITUTION

institution

Plural: institutions

Noun

  • an organization founded and united for a specific purpose
  • an establishment consisting of a building or complex of buildings where an organization for the promotion of some cause is situated
  • a custom that for a long time has been an important feature of some group or society
    • "the institution of marriage"
    • "the institution of slavery"
    • "he had become an institution in the theater"
  • the act of starting something for the first time; introducing something new
  • a hospital for mentally incompetent or unbalanced person
  • A custom or practice of a society or community.
  • A long established and respected organization, particularly one involved with education, public service, or charity work.
  • The building or buildings which house such an organization.
  • Ellipsis of mental institution.
  • Any facility where people (especially those who are mentally or physically disabled or sick, or who are prisoners) are committed (confined), where their freedom to leave is restricted.
  • Any long established and respected place or business.
  • A person long established in a place, position, or field.
  • The act of instituting something.
  • The act by which a bishop commits a cure of souls to a priest.
  • That which institutes or instructs, particularly a textbook or system of elements or rules.
  • Ellipsis of correctional institution.

Examples

  • He's been in an institution since the crash.
  • Over time, the local pub has become something of an institution.
  • She's not just any old scholar; she is an institution.
  • The institution of higher speed limits was a popular move but increased the severity of crashes.
  • The institution of marriage is present in many cultures but its details vary widely across them.
  • The University of the South Pacific is the only internationally accredited institution of higher education in Oceania.

Origin / Etymology

From Middle English institucioun, from Old French institution, from Latin institūtiō, from instituō (“to set up”), from in- (“in, on”) + statuō (“to set up, establish”).

Synonyms

asylum, creation, establishment, foundation, founding, initiation, innovation, insane asylum, instauration, introduction, mental home, mental hospital, mental institution, origination, psychiatric hospital

Scrabble Score: 11

institution: valid Scrabble (US) TWL Word
institution: valid Scrabble Word in Merriam-Webster MW Dictionary
institution: valid Scrabble Word in International Collins CSW Dictionary

Words With Friends Score: 14

institution: valid Words With Friends Word