institute

1 of 2

noun

in·​sti·​tute ˈin(t)-stə-ˌtüt 

-ˌtyüt

: 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 

-ˌtyü-

Synonyms

Noun

• association
• board
• brotherhood
• chamber
• club
• college
• congress
• consortium
• council
• fellowship
• fraternity
• guild
• gild
• institution
• league
• order
• organization
• society
• sodality

Verb

• begin
• constitute
• establish
• found
• inaugurate
• initiate
• innovate
• introduce
• launch
• pioneer
• plant
• set up
• start

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

Noun

The following year, Cooper became president and CEO of the museum, replacing Kathryn Hill who announced her retirement after leading the institute for six years. —Desiree Mathurin, Charlotte Observer, 1 Apr. 2025

These microscopic organisms have what are essentially built-in compass needles, said Caroline Monteil, a microbial ecologist at the French research institute CEA. —Benji Jones, Vox, 1 Apr. 2025

Verb

Before January's end, major science agencies had instituted pauses on research funding, and grant funding has not been restored to previous levels since. —John Timmer, ArsTechnica, 9 Apr. 2025

The big picture: Trump instituted sweeping tariffs in an attempt to reorder the global economy, but economists and U.S. allies have said his plan could lead to a recession. —April Rubin, Axios, 9 Apr. 2025

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

Rhymes for institute

• absolute
• arrowroot
• attribute
• bitterroot
• constitute
• convolute
• destitute
• disrepute
• dissolute
• execute
• involute
• kiwifruit

Kids Definition

institute

1 of 2 verb

in·​sti·​tute ˈin(t)-stə-ˌt(y)üt 

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 

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