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constitution

noun
con·​sti·​tu·​tion | \ ˌkän(t)-stə-ˈtü-shən How to pronounce constitution (audio) , -ˈtyü-\

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 \ ˌkän(t)-​stə-​ˈtü-​shən-​ləs How to pronounce constitutionless (audio) , -​ˈtyü-​ \ 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

 Her grandfather, Andres Molina Enriquez, was a key intellectual in the Mexican Revolution, writing the first draft of the new constitution’s 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’s relationship with mainland China. — Eamon Barrett, Fortune, "Why Beijing Is So Reluctant To Suppress Protests in Hong Kong," 19 Aug. 2019 Article 370 provided the state with semi-autonomy, which included a separate state constitution, its own flag and control over internal matters except for certain policy areas such as foreign affairs and defense. — Swati Gupta, CNN, "Kashmir remains paralyzed by lockdown as resentment simmers," 16 Aug. 2019 Those limitations are normally found in a constitution or bylaws that govern each franchise. — Michael Mccann, SI.com, "Behind the Numbers: Analyzing Joseph Tsai's Proposal to Own the Brooklyn Nets," 15 Aug. 2019 More than two decades ago, the country adopted a constitution that uses ethnicity as a basis to organise the federation. — Yonatan Fessha, Quartz Africa, "Ethiopia is facing mounting tensions as an ethnic minority community demands secession," 31 July 2019 To combat the gains made by black politicians and white populists during Reconstruction, Alabama’s economic elites rolled out Jim Crow laws and a constitution that blocked poor blacks and whites from voting. — John Hammontree | Jhammontree@al.com, al.com, "Could a new monument heal Jefferson County’s racial divide?," 22 July 2019 Every weapon in Jim Crow’s arsenal was deployed: The new constitution imposed literacy tests, poll taxes, criminal disenfranchisement provisions, and more. — Matt Ford, The New Republic, "Mississippi Quotes John Roberts to Defend Its Racist Election Law," 19 July 2019 At last, only eight months before Yorktown, the United States had a constitution. — Thomas Wendel, National Review, "The Beginning of a Nation," 4 July 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·​sti·​tu·​tion | \ ˌkän-stə-ˈtü-shən How to pronounce constitution (audio) , -ˈtyü-\

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·​sti·​tu·​tion | \ ˌkän(t)-stə-ˈt(y)ü-shən 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 \ -​shnəl, -​shən-​ᵊl How to pronounce constitutional (audio) \ adjective

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