Added 4 October 2026
institution
/ˌɪn.stɪˈtʃuː.ʃən/ noun
Latin root: institūtiō Wiktionary
noun Definition from Wiktionary (CC BY-SA). Pronunciation from Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org. More about institution at Wordnik → Where our words come from →
-
A long-established organization or type of organization, particularly one involved with education, public service, or charity work.
The University of the South Pacific is the only internationally accredited institution of higher education in Oceania.
-
A custom or practice of a society or community.
The institution of marriage is present in many cultures but its details vary widely across them.
-
The building or buildings which house such an organization.
He's been in an institution since the crash.
Origin
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.
From Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org (CC BY-SA)