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constitution

noun
con路​sti路​tu路​tion | \ 藢k盲n(t)-st蓹-藞t眉-sh蓹n How to pronounce constitution (audio) , -藞ty眉-\

Definition of constitution

1a : the basic principles and laws of a nation, state, or social group that determine the powers and duties of the government and guarantee certain rights to the people in it
b : a written instrument embodying the rules of a political or social organization
2a : the physical makeup of the individual especially with respect to the health, strength, and appearance of the body a hearty constitution
b : the structure, composition, physical makeup, or nature of something the constitution of society
3 : the mode in which a state or society is organized especially : the manner in which sovereign power is distributed
4 : an established law or custom : ordinance
5 : the act of establishing, making, or setting up before the constitution of civil laws
Other Words from constitution Synonyms More Example Sentences Learn More about constitution

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Other Words from constitution

constitutionless \ 藢k盲n(t)-​st蓹-​藞t眉-​sh蓹n-​l蓹s How to pronounce constitutionless (audio) , -​藞ty眉-​ \ adjective

Examples of constitution in a Sentence

The state's constitution has strict rules about what tax money can be used for. Members of the club have drafted a new constitution. The state's original constitution is on display at the museum. He has a robust constitution. Only animals with strong constitutions are able to survive the island's harsh winters. What is the molecular constitution of the chemical?
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Recent Examples on the Web

 The Basic Law is Hong Kong鈥檚 de facto constitution, which promises the semiautonomous Chinese city certain democratic rights not afforded to the mainland. — Washington Post, "Germany鈥檚 Merkel says Hong Kong鈥檚 rights should be protected," 6 Sep. 2019 The Basic Law is Hong Kong鈥檚 de facto constitution, which promises the semi-autonomous Chinese city certain democratic rights not afforded to the mainland. — Time, "Germany's Merkel Says Hong Kong's Rights Should Be Protected," 6 Sep. 2019 The answer is simple from yesterday鈥檚 ruling, per NBC鈥檚 Pete Williams: This result is based on the STATE constitution, not the federal one. — NBC News, "Around the world, disruption is beating out stability," 4 Sep. 2019 Weiser has urged the Colorado Supreme Court to evaluate the state constitution, not the U.S. Constitution, when determining whether the magazine ban is constitutional. — Justin Wingerter, The Denver Post, "Colorado attorney general argues for ban on large-capacity gun magazines," 13 Aug. 2019 Mixton also argued that police violated his rights under section eight of the Arizona state constitution, which protects the right to privacy. — Lauren Castle, azcentral, "Arizonans have a right to privacy online, court rules," 31 July 2019 Under the league鈥檚 constitution, teams that are caught tampering face a potential range of punishments鈥攊ncluding fines, forfeiture of draft picks and voidance of free agent signings. — Michael Mccann, SI.com, "Understanding Why Salary Cap Circumvention Is Dangerous for the NBA," 25 July 2019 Her grandfather, Andres Molina Enriquez, was a key intellectual in the Mexican Revolution, writing the first draft of the new constitution鈥檚 land reforms. — San Diego Union-Tribune, "Educator, social activist Gracia Molina de Pick dies at 91," 20 Aug. 2019 That status is enshrined in the Basic Law, a mini-constitution that lays down the framework for Hong Kong鈥檚 relationship with mainland China. — Eamon Barrett, Fortune, "Why Beijing Is So Reluctant To Suppress Protests in Hong Kong," 19 Aug. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'constitution.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of constitution

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 4

History and Etymology for constitution

see constitute

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More Definitions for constitution

constitution

noun
How to pronounce constitution (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of constitution

: the system of beliefs and laws by which a country, state, or organization is governed
: a document that describes this system
: the physical health and condition of a person or animal

See the full definition for constitution in the English Language Learners Dictionary

constitution

noun
con路​sti路​tu路​tion | \ 藢k盲n-st蓹-藞t眉-sh蓹n How to pronounce constitution (audio) , -藞ty眉-\

Kids Definition of constitution

1 : the physical makeup of an individual
2 : the basic structure of something
3 : the basic beliefs and laws of a nation, state, or social group by which the powers and duties of the government are established and certain rights are guaranteed to the people or a document that sets forth these beliefs and laws

constitution

noun
con路​sti路​tu路​tion | \ 藢k盲n(t)-st蓹-藞t(y)眉-sh蓹n How to pronounce constitution (audio) \

Medical Definition of constitution

1 : the physical makeup of the individual comprising inherited qualities modified by environment
2 : the structure of a compound as determined by the kind, number, and arrangement of atoms in its molecule

Other Words from constitution

constitutional \ -​shn蓹l, -​sh蓹n-​岬妉 How to pronounce constitutional (audio) \ adjective

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