organization
aw-guh-neye-ZAY-shuhn
Organization (noun) means a group of people, or of legal entities, formed for a particular purpose and governed by set rules. Example: “A local organization collects coats for people who need them in winter.”
noun
1
A group of people, or of legal entities, formed for a particular purpose and governed by set rules.
"A local organization collects coats for people who need them in winter."
"The organization provides food and shelter to homeless families."
"She has worked for the same nonprofit organization for fifteen years."
2
The way in which something is structured or arranged.
"Good organization of the files saves us time every morning."
"The organization of the school day gives children time to play and learn."
"The organization of the report made it easy to find key figures quickly."
How to use organization
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA structured group with a shared purpose, or the way something is put together and arranged.
UK vs US
American English spelling; British English typically uses "organisation."
Easily confused with
Common pairings
non-profit organization
organizational structure
join an organization
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like organization.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Word forms
- Plural
- organizations
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
A local _____ collects coats for people who need them in winter.
Etymology
Borrowed from Middle French organisation, from Medieval Latin organizātiō.
Synonyms
View more →
institution
body
association
group
company
establishment
outfit
brass
constitution
administration
arrangement
organization/organisation
Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for organization
region
ablation
allusion
emulsion
ideation
novation
diffusion
elocution
extension
oxidation
perfusion
selection
See all rhymes for organization →
Frequently asked questions
What does “organization” mean?
The word “organization” means a group of people, or of legal entities, formed for a particular purpose and governed by set rules. In plain terms, a structured group with a shared purpose, or the way something is put together and arranged.
How do you pronounce “organization”?
“Organization” is pronounced aw-guh-neye-ZAY-shuhn (/ˌoɹ.ɡə.nɪˈzeɪ.ʃən/ in IPA).
How do you use “organization” in a sentence?
Here is “organization” used in a sentence: “The organization provides food and shelter to homeless families.”
What is another word for “organization”?
Words with a similar meaning to “organization” include organization/organisation.
What part of speech is “organization”?
“Organization” is a noun.
Where does the word “organization” come from?
The word “organization” comes from Medieval Latin. Borrowed from Middle French organisation, from Medieval Latin organizātiō.
Is “organization” a common word?
“Organization” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “organization” have?
“Organization” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a group of people, or of legal entities, formed for a particular purpose and governed by set rules.
What is the difference between organization and organisation?
These are two spellings of the same word. "Organization" is standard in American English, while "organisation" is common in British English. Both refer to a structured group of people or legal entities formed for a purpose. The meaning and pronunciation are identical; only the spelling convention differs by region.
What are the types of organizations?
Organizations fall into broad types: businesses and corporations formed for profit, non-profits and charities serving a cause, government bodies, and voluntary associations like clubs or unions. They can also be grouped by structure, such as hierarchical, flat, or networked, depending on how authority and responsibility are shared among members.
What is the difference between an organization and a company?
A company is one type of organization, specifically a legal business entity formed to trade or make a profit. Organization is the broader term, covering companies but also charities, clubs, government bodies, and associations. Every company is an organization, but not every organization is a company.
What is an example of an organization?
A bank is an organization, as is a charity, a university, a sports club, or a government department. Each is a group of people or legal entities working together under agreed rules toward a shared purpose, whether that is making profit, serving members, or providing a public service.
Featured in
Vocabulary lists that include organization:
