What does "institution" mean?
A custom or practice of a society or community.
Institution
/ˌɪn.stɪˈtʃuː.ʃən/ noun, slang
noun, slang ·Very common ·High school level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: A custom or practice of a society or community.
- Grammar: institution is listed as noun, slang.
- Nearest alternatives: establishment, creation, founding, initiation.
- Useful contrasts: abolition, change, disestablishment.
- Usage evidence: The institution must be protected.
How to use "institution"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "institution" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "institution" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "institution" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "institution" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "institution" is acting as noun, slang in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "establishment" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
Review note: Definition pages are checked for source coverage, sentence evidence, synonym support, and editorial insight before they are treated as approval-ready pages. If the evidence is too thin, the page remains available to users but is kept out of the approval-facing indexed inventory.
Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "institution", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 A custom or practice of a society or community. countable, uncountable
"The institution of marriage is present in many cultures but its details vary widely across them."
- 2 the act of starting something for the first time; introducing something new wordnet
- 3 A long-established organization or type of organization, particularly one involved with education, public service, or charity work. countable, uncountable
"The University of the South Pacific is the only internationally accredited institution of higher education in Oceania."
- 4 an establishment consisting of a building or complex of buildings where an organization for the promotion of some cause is situated wordnet
- 5 The building or buildings which house such an organization. countable, uncountable
"He's been in an institution since the crash."
Show 11 more definitions
- 6 a hospital for mentally incompetent or unbalanced person wordnet
- 7 A mental institution. countable, informal, uncountable
- 8 a custom that for a long time has been an important feature of some group or society wordnet
- 9 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. countable, uncountable
- 10 an organization founded and united for a specific purpose wordnet
- 11 Any long established and respected place or business. countable, informal, uncountable
"Over time, the local pub has become something of an institution."
- 12 A person long established in a place, position, or field. countable, informal, uncountable
"She's not just any old scholar; she is an institution."
- 13 The act of instituting something. countable, uncountable
"The institution of higher speed limits was a popular move but increased the severity of crashes."
- 14 The act by which a bishop commits a cure of souls to a priest. countable, uncountable
- 15 That which institutes or instructs, particularly a textbook or system of elements or rules. countable, obsolete, uncountable
- 16 A correctional institution. countable, informal, uncountable
Example
"The institution must be protected."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "institution"?
Common synonyms include: establishment, creation, founding, initiation, a, academy.
How do you use "institution" in a sentence?
The institution must be protected.
How do you pronounce "institution"?
Pronounced /ˌɪn.stɪˈtʃuː.ʃən/.
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”). Equivalent to institute + -ion.