institution

in|sti|tu|tion

W1 [ˌınstıˈtju:ʃən US -ˈtu:-] n

1.)

a large organization that has a particular kind of work or purpose

financial/educational/research etc institution

▪ the Government and other political institutions

▪ powerful institutions such as world banks

▪ the Institution of Electrical Engineers

2.)

an important system of organization in society that has existed for a long time

▪ social institutions such as the family and religion

the institution of marriage/monarchy etc

▪ The scandal threatened to undermine the institution of the Presidency.

3.)

a building that people are sent to when they need to be looked after, for example old people or children with no parents - often used to show disapproval

▪ I was determined not to put my mother in an institution.

▪ a mental institution (=for the mentally ill)

4.) [U]

when something is started or introduced, especially something relating to the law or politics

institution of

▪ the institution of divorce proceedings

5.) be an institution

if a person, place, event etc is an institution, they have been an important part of a place for a very long time - often used humorously

▪ The British pub isn't just somewhere to drink - it's an institution.