constitution

noun

con·​sti·​tu·​tion ˌkän(t)-stə-ˈtü-shən How to pronounce constitution (audio)
-ˈtyü-
Synonyms of constitutionnext
1
a
: the basic principles and laws of a nation, state, or social group that determine the powers and duties of the government and guarantee certain rights to the people in it
b
: a written instrument embodying the rules of a political or social organization
2
a
: the physical makeup of the individual especially with respect to the health, strength, and appearance of the body
a hearty constitution
b
: the structure, composition, physical makeup, or nature of something
the constitution of society
3
: the mode in which a state or society is organized
especially : the manner in which sovereign power is distributed
4
: an established law or custom : ordinance
5
: the act of establishing, making, or setting up
before the constitution of civil laws
constitutionless
ˌkän(t)-stə-ˈtü-shən-ləs How to pronounce constitution (audio)
-ˈtyü-
adjective

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Constitution was constituted in 14th-century English as a word indicating an established law or custom. It is from Latin constitutus, the past participle of constituere, meaning "to set up," which is based on an agreement of the prefix com- ("with, together, jointly") with the verb statuere ("to set or place"). Statuere is the root of statute, which, like constitution, has a legal background; it refers to a set law, rule, or regulation. Constitution is also the name for a system of laws and principles by which a country, state, or organization is governed or the document written as a record of them. Outside of law, the word is used in reference to the physical health or condition of the body ("a person of hearty constitution") or to the form or structure of something ("the molecular constitution of the chemical").

Synonyms

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Examples of constitution in a Sentence

The state's constitution has strict rules about what tax money can be used for. Members of the club have drafted a new constitution. The state's original constitution is on display at the museum. He has a robust constitution.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Florida’s 1885 constitution required voter approval for all constitutional amendments beginning in 1886. — Jeffrey Schweers, Orlando Sentinel, 16 Mar. 2025 The critical role of public health agencies The CDC opened in 1946 as a small organization based in Atlanta, aimed at fighting malaria in the U.S. Two years later, representatives from 53 countries ratified the constitution of the WHO. — Katherine A. Foss, The Conversation, 11 Mar. 2025 How can Ghosts continue, if not to send us into spasms of offense, then still to electrify and unnerve, to shock not our delicate constitutions but our consciences, which, after all, was its intention all along? — Sara Holdren, Vulture, 10 Mar. 2025 Meanwhile, citizens who initiate a ballot measure would have to foot the bill to print the measure in newspapers, as required by the state constitution, under SB 73. — Erin Alberty, Axios, 8 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for constitution

Word History

Etymology

see constitute

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 4

Time Traveler
The first known use of constitution was in the 14th century

Phrases Containing constitution

Rhymes for constitution

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Browse Nearby Words

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Cite this Entry

“Constitution.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/constitution. Accessed 30 Mar. 2025.

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Kids Definition

constitution

noun
con·​sti·​tu·​tion ˌkän(t)-stə-ˈt(y)ü-shən How to pronounce constitution (audio)
1
: the act of establishing, making, or setting up
2
a
: the physical makeup of an individual
b
: the structure, composition, or basic qualities of something
3
a
: the basic beliefs and laws of a nation, state, or social group that establish the powers and duties of the government and guarantee certain rights to the people in it
b
: a document containing a constitution

Medical Definition

constitution

noun
con·​sti·​tu·​tion ˌkän(t)-stə-ˈt(y)ü-shən How to pronounce constitution (audio)
1
: the physical makeup of the individual comprising inherited qualities modified by environment
2
: the structure of a compound as determined by the kind, number, and arrangement of atoms in its molecule
constitutional
-shnəl, -shən-ᵊl How to pronounce constitution (audio)
adjective

Legal Definition

constitution

noun
con·​sti·​tu·​tion
1
: the basic principles and laws of a nation, state, or social group that determine the powers and duties of the government and guarantee certain rights to the people in it
2
: a written instrument containing the fundamental rules of a political or social organization
especially, capitalized : the U.S. Constitution compare charter, declaration

Note: A constitution was originally simply a law, ordinance, or decree usually made by a king, emperor, or other superior authority. A constitution now usually contains the fundamental law and principles with which all other laws must conform. Unlike the U.S. Constitution, the British Constitution is not set down in a comprehensive document, but is found in a variety of statutes (as the Magna Carta) and in common law. Canada inherited many of the rules and practices that are considered part of the British Constitution, but the Constitution of Canada is also set down in comprehensive documents, such as the Constitution Act, 1982 and the Constitution Act, 1867 (formerly called the British North America Act, 1867).

Etymology

Latin constitutio system, fundamental principles (of an institution), from constituere to set up, establish

More from Merriam-Webster on constitution

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Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about constitution

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