noun
institution
ihn-stih-CHOO-shuhn
noun
1
A large, established organization, especially one dedicated to education, public service, or a similar purpose.
"The university is one of the oldest institutions in the country."
2
A long-standing custom, tradition, or practice within a society.
"Marriage is a social institution found in nearly every culture."
3
A facility where people are confined or cared for, such as a hospital, prison, or care home.
"After the accident he spent months in a rehabilitation institution."
How to Use Institution
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA well-established organization, tradition, or the building that houses one.
Common mistake
Can sound clinical when used for care facilities ("mental institution") — modern usage often prefers more specific, less stigmatizing terms.
Common pairings
financial institution
social institution
mental institution
become an institution
Word Forms
institutions plural
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The university is one of the oldest _____ in the country.
Etymology
From Latin institutio, "arrangement, custom," from instituere ("to set up") — equivalent to institute + -ion.