What does "institution" mean?

1. (an organization) a large and important organization, such as a university, bank, or hospital. 2. (a social custom) a custom or tradition that has been part of a society for a long time. 3. (a care facility) a building where people are cared for or kept, such as a hospital or prison. 4. (a well-known person) someone who has been in a place or job for so long that everyone knows them. 5. (the act of starting) the act of starting a new law, system, or rule.

institution

US //ˌɪnstɪˈtuʃən// UK //ˌɪnstɪtjˈuːʃən// in·sti·tu·tion

1 an organization (n.)
B2 Upper Intermediate

a large and important organization, such as a university, bank, or hospital.

a long-established organization or corporation, typically one with a public, educational, or charitable purpose.

Example

The city's oldest financial institution has survived several economic crises.

Example

Academic institutions must balance their traditional research goals with the modern demands of a globalised job market.
2 a social custom (n.)
B2 Upper Intermediate

a custom or tradition that has been part of a society for a long time.

an established law, practice, or custom that is central to a society or culture.

Example

In many cultures, the institution of marriage is celebrated with a large party.

Example

Sociologists often study the institution of the family to understand how social values are passed down through generations.

Show 3 more sensesShow fewer

3 a care facility (n.)
B2 Upper Intermediate

a building where people are cared for or kept, such as a hospital or prison.

a facility where people are confined or provided with long-term care, often implying a loss of personal autonomy.

Example

He spent several months in a medical institution recovering from his injuries.

Example

The government has moved away from large-scale mental health institutions in favour of community-based support systems.
4 a well-known person (n.)
C1 Advanced Informal

someone who has been in a place or job for so long that everyone knows them.

a person who is a prominent and long-standing fixture within a particular community or profession.

Example

The old librarian is a local institution who knows every family in town.

Example

Having worked at the same news desk for forty years, the anchor had become a national institution.
- fixture
- legend
5 the act of starting (n.)
C1 Advanced Formal Law

the act of starting a new law, system, or rule.

the formal act of instituting or establishing something, such as a policy or legal proceeding.

Example

The institution of new safety rules helped reduce accidents at the factory.

Example

The sudden institution of strict border controls caused significant delays for international trade.
- abolition
- termination

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.