0 a large and important organization, such as a university or bank: --
Harvard University is an internationally respected institution.
a medical/educational/financial institution
1 a building where people are sent to be cared for, especially a hospital or prison --
2 a custom or tradition that has existed for a long time and is accepted as an important part of a particular society: --
3 an occasion when a law, system, etc. begins or is introduced: --
The institution of the Freedom of Information Act has had a significant effect.
4 an organization that exists to serve a public purpose such as education or support for people who need help: --
a charitable/educational/scientific institution
5 a custom or practice that has existed for a long time and is accepted as an important part of a society: --
the institution of marriage
The university's exchange scheme has cemented its links with many other academic institutions.
He had been in and out of penal institutions from the age of 16.
St Andrews and Cambridge universities are internationally respected institutions.
They heard sob-stuff from one man about his deprived childhood in an institution.
We're searching for a couple of runaways from the young offenders' institution.