in·sti·tute
ˈin(t)-stə-ˌtüt
-ˌtyüt
plural institutes
: something that is instituted: such as
a
: an organization for the promotion of a cause : association
a research institute
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
Teachers attended a summer institute and a series of one-day seminars during the school year.—Tom Loveless
d(1)
: an elementary principle recognized as authoritative
If the students in their first one or two years were taught the institutes of medicine, … it would be perfectly easy to have those subjects taught thoroughly and effectually …—Thomas Henry Huxley
(2)
institutes plural
: a collection of such principles and precepts
especially
: a legal compendium
instituted; instituting
1
a
: to originate and get established : organize
b
: to set going : inaugurate
instituting an investigation
2
: to establish in a position or office
Cite this Entry
“Institute.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/institute. Accessed 1 Nov. 2026.
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