English Reference
noun

installation

n.
US /ˌɪnstəˈɫeɪʃən/ UK /ˌɪnstəlˈeɪʃən/ in·stal·la·tion UK spelling installation's, installation's

  1. 01 B2 Upper Intermediate

    the act of putting a new piece of equipment or software in place so it is ready to use.

    the process of setting up a piece of machinery, a system, or software for use.

    Simple

    The installation of the new heating system took two days to complete.

    In context

    The technician confirmed that the software installation was successful and that all security patches had been applied correctly.

    removaluninstallation
  2. 02 B2 Upper Intermediate Technical

    a large piece of equipment or a system of machines that has been fixed in place.

    a complete system of machines or apparatus set up for a specific practical purpose.

    Simple

    The factory has a complex electrical installation to power the heavy machines.

    In context

    Engineers inspected the offshore oil installation to ensure that all safety protocols were being strictly followed during the storm.

  3. 03 C1 Advanced Formal

    a permanent place where the military lives and works.

    a grouping of facilities that constitute a permanent military base or station.

    Simple

    The soldiers returned to the military installation after their training exercise.

    In context

    The treaty required both nations to allow inspections of any sensitive military installation located within fifty miles of the border.

  4. 04 B2 Upper Intermediate

    a type of modern art that is often large and built for a specific space.

    a work of art that usually consists of multiple components and is designed for a specific site or environment.

    Simple

    The museum features a giant light installation that changes colour as you walk through it.

    In context

    The artist created an immersive installation using recycled materials to comment on the environmental impact of consumer culture.

It later emerged, however, that as a professional electrician he had signed off on the property’s electrical installation certificate in 2024 – a document that police said was also being investigated.

The Guardian· 15 Aug 2026

Pakistan has rapidly expanded installations of solar panels, seeking to insulate itself from oil price shocks.

The Conversation· 4 Aug 2026

From Middle French installation, from Medieval Latin installātiō. By surface analysis, install + -ation. Compare with Piedmontese istallassion.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Origin la-med installātiō
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Common
Updated