institution institution /ˌɪnstɪˈtuːʃən/

noun

1. () An organization founded and united for a specific purpose  ( establishment , institution )
   an organization founded and united for a specific purpose
     The university is a respected institution of higher education.
   The university is a respected institution of higher education.
   
2. () An establishment consisting of a building or complex of buildings where an organization for the promotion of some cause is situated  ( institution )
   an establishment consisting of a building or complex of buildings where an organization for the promotion of some cause is situated
    The art institution downtown showcases historical and contemporary pieces.
   The art institution downtown showcases historical and contemporary pieces.
   
   
3. () The act of starting something for the first time; introducing something new  ( foundation , innovation , instauration , creation , founding , initiation , institution , introduction , origination )
   the act of starting something for the first time; introducing something new
    She looked forward to her initiation as an adult
   she looked forward to her initiation as an adult
    The foundation of a new scientific society
   the foundation of a new scientific society
   
4. () A custom that for a long time has been an important feature of some group or society  ( institution )
   a custom that for a long time has been an important feature of some group or society
    The institution of marriage
   the institution of marriage
    The institution of slavery
   the institution of slavery
    He had become an institution in the theater
   he had become an institution in the theater
   
5. A hospital for mentally incompetent or unbalanced person  ( asylum , insane asylum , institution , mental home , mental hospital , mental institution , psychiatric hospital )
   a hospital for mentally incompetent or unbalanced person