As a Noun: 1. A building where certain people are educated, kept or looked after, for example children who are deaf or have no parents, or people who are mentally ill. English = institution. 2. A large organisation, for example a university, a bank, or church. English = institution. 3. An organisation set up to do a particular kind of work, especially research or teaching. English = institute. As a Verb or Adjective: 1. From or related to an institute or institution. English = (be) institutional.