institutional

adjective

in·​sti·​tu·​tion·​al ˌin(t)-stə-ˈt(y)ü-sh(ə-)nəl 

1

: of or relating to an institution

institutional knowledge

2

: characteristic of or appropriate to institutions

bland institutional cooking

institutional green walls

institutionally adverb

Examples of institutional in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Clear norms, consistent enforcement and institutional responsibility matter — and move student attitudes meaningfully. —Jason Jewell, Sun Sentinel, 29 Apr. 2026

An anonymous whistleblower has raised allegations of misconduct by leadership at California’s Palm Springs Art Museum, claiming violations of the law and institutional best practices. —Brian Boucher, ARTnews.com, 29 Apr. 2026

K-pop’s relationship with luxury fashion has moved through distinct phases over the last decade — first as ambassadorship deals, then as front-row staples at Paris and Milan, and now into the institutional core of the fashion calendar. —Hanna Wickes, Sacbee.com, 29 Apr. 2026

Property Play covers new and evolving opportunities for the real estate investor, from individuals to venture capitalists, private equity funds, family offices, institutional investors and large public companies. —Diana Olick, CNBC, 28 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1617, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing institutional

• anti-institutional
• institutional racism
• inter-institutional
• multi-institutional

Rhymes for institutional

• attributional
• constitutional
• convolutional
• distributional
• involutional
• substitutional
• interinstitutional
• noninstitutional
• unconstitutional