institution
A big and important group that does work for education, religion, or public service.
A large and important organization that has been established for a specific purpose, such as education, religion, charity, or public service.
A practice or way of doing something that people have done for a long time.
A long-established and accepted practice, custom, or system in society.
The action of beginning something official, like a law or rule.
The act of starting or establishing something official, such as a law, system, or policy.
- Base: institution
- Plural: institution, institutions
an institution in [place/context]
1Very familiar due to long presence
Someone or something very well known in a place because they have been there for a long time.
- That café is an institution in this neighborhood.
- She's been teaching here for 40 years—she's an institution in the school.
the institution of marriage
2Socially recognized union between partners
The system or tradition of marriage as accepted by society.
- Some people believe the institution of marriage is outdated.
- He still believes strongly in the institution of marriage.
financial institution
3Organization managing money
A business like a bank that manages and stores money.
- Banks and credit unions are examples of financial institutions.
- The government regulates all financial institutions.
financial institution
4Organization providing financial services
A company like a bank that manages money for people and businesses.
- Banks and credit unions are types of financial institutions.
- The central bank is the country's most important financial institution.