constitution

The word “constitution” means a document setting out the fundamental laws and principles that govern a country or organization. In plain terms, either the founding rulebook of a country/organization, or someone's basic physical makeup.

“Constitution” is pronounced kon-stih-TYOO-shn (/ˌkɑn.stɪˈtu.ʃ(ə)n/ in IPA).

Here is “constitution” used in a sentence: “The country's constitution guarantees freedom of speech.”

“Constitution” is a noun.

The word “constitution” comes from Latin. From Old French constitucion, from Latin constitutio, "arrangement, order," from constituere ("to establish").

“Constitution” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.

“Constitution” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a document setting out the fundamental laws and principles that govern a country or organization.

A constitution is the supreme, foundational set of rules that establishes how a country or organisation is governed. Ordinary laws are made under its authority and must not conflict with it. If a law breaks the constitution, courts can strike it down. The constitution ranks above all other laws.

A written, or codified, constitution sets out the core rules in a single document, as in the United States. An unwritten, or uncodified, one, as in the United Kingdom, draws its rules from many laws, court rulings, and conventions instead. Both govern the state; they differ in form.

The United States Constitution, which sets out the powers of government and citizens' rights, is a famous national example. Organisations have them too: a club, charity, or union may adopt a constitution laying out its purpose, membership, and how decisions are made and leaders chosen.

Yes. It can describe a person's physical make-up or health, as in 'a strong constitution,' and the way something is composed or made up. This entry covers the main civic sense: the document of fundamental laws and principles governing a country or organisation.