institute

1 of 2

noun

in·​sti·​tute ˈin(t)-stə-ˌtüt How to pronounce institute (audio)
-ˌtyüt
Synonyms of institutenext
: something that is instituted: such as
a
: an organization for the promotion of a cause : association
a research institute
an institute for the blind
b
: an educational institution and especially one devoted to technical fields
c
: a usually brief intensive course of instruction on selected topics relating to a particular field
an urban studies institute
d(1)
: an elementary principle recognized as authoritative
(2)
institutes plural : a collection of such principles and precepts
especially : a legal compendium

institute

2 of 2

verb

instituted; instituting

transitive verb

1
a
: to originate and get established : organize
b
: to set going : inaugurate
instituting an investigation
2
: to establish in a position or office
instituter noun
or institutor
ˈin(t)-stə-ˌtü-tər How to pronounce institute (audio)
-ˌtyü-

Synonyms

Noun

Verb

See All Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus

Examples of institute in a Sentence

Noun They founded an institute for research into the causes of mental illness. the Massachusetts Institute of Technology Verb By instituting these programs, we hope to improve our children's education. They have instituted new policies to increase public safety.
Recent Examples on the Web
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Noun
The Trump administration has already roiled the scientific community with efforts to slash support at major research institutes, including those at public universities. — Alejandra O’Connell-Domenech, The Hill, 13 Mar. 2025 The information about the institute which has avoided the memory hole just sits there, though this makes some of it glow brighter. — Jackson Arn, The New Yorker, 10 Mar. 2025
Verb
Since Billboard instituted both the Billboard Global 200 and the Billboard Global Excl U.S., Jackson has collected just two posthumous hits. — Hugh McIntyre, Forbes, 16 Mar. 2025 The guidance mirrors other measures instituted by the Trump administration to dictate how federal employees communicate with the public. — Anjeanette Damon, ProPublica, 14 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for institute

Word History

Etymology

Verb

Middle English, from Latin institutus, past participle of instituere, from in- + statuere to set up — more at statute

First Known Use

Noun

1546, in the meaning defined above

Verb

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

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

Rhymes for institute

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Browse Nearby Words

institute
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Cite this Entry

“Institute.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/institute. Accessed 22 Mar. 2025.

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Kids Definition

institute

1 of 2 verb
in·​sti·​tute ˈin(t)-stə-ˌt(y)üt How to pronounce institute (audio)
instituted; instituting
1
: to set up : establish
instituted a new policy
2
: to set going : begin
institute an investigation
instituter noun
or institutor
-ˌt(y)üt-ər How to pronounce institute (audio)

institute

2 of 2 noun
1
: a basic principle
2
a
: an organization for the support of a cause : association
an institute for scientific research
b
: a place for study usually in a special field
an art institute

Legal Definition

institute

1 of 2 transitive verb
in·​sti·​tute
instituted; instituting
1
: to establish in a particular position or office
specifically, in the civil law of Louisiana : to appoint as heir see also instituted heir at heir
2
: to get started : bring
institute a lawsuit

institute

2 of 2 noun
1
: an elementary principle recognized as authoritative
2
plural : a collection of principles
especially : a legal compendium

More from Merriam-Webster on institute

Nglish: Translation of institute for Spanish Speakers

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