Institution
/ˌɪnstɪˈtjuːʃən/
Definitions
2 meaningsAn established custom, practice, or law that forms a significant or essential feature of an organization, society, or culture.
/ˌɪnstɪˈtjuːʃən/
A significant practice, relationship, or organization in a society or culture.
The family is the basic institution of society.
💡 Simply: Think of an institution as something like a school, hospital, or government building—places that have rules and traditions. It's a big part of how society works. Like, the school you go to is an institution!
👶 For kids: An institution is like a special place or a rule that's been around for a long time. Like school or a hospital!
More Examples
The university is a well-respected institution of higher learning.
He was committed to improving the existing institutions.
How It's Used
"Marriage is a fundamental institution in most societies."
"Banks and insurance companies are examples of financial institutions."
"Harvard University is a prestigious educational institution."
A building or establishment dedicated to a particular activity or purpose, such as a hospital, school, or prison.
/ˌɪnstɪˈtjuːʃən/
A building or place dedicated to a specific purpose or service.
The hospital is a leading medical institution in the region.
💡 Simply: It can also be a place, like a hospital, a school, or even a prison. It's a building that provides a certain service. For example, if someone is sick, they might go to a medical institution!
👶 For kids: An institution can be a special building, like a school or a hospital where people go to learn or get better.
More Examples
He was sent to an institution after being charged with a crime.
The library is an important cultural institution.
How It's Used
"He was admitted to a mental health institution for treatment."
"The library is an important institution on campus."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
an institution
A person or thing that is very important and has been around for a long time.
"The Empire State Building is an institution of New York City."
From Latin *institutio* ("establishment, instruction, custom"), derived from *instituere* ("to set up, establish, build"). It evolved through French, eventually entering English with similar meanings related to formal structures and established practices.
The word 'institution' has been used since the 14th century to describe established practices and organizations.
Memory tip
Imagine a solid building representing a school or hospital—the solid foundation is the institution.
Word Origin
"to establish, build"