DictionaryAI

constitution

noun
kon-sti-TOO-shuhn/ˌkɑnstɪˈtuʃ(ə)n/UKkon-sti-TYOO-shuhn/ˌkɒnstɪˈtjuːʃ(ə)n/

Pluralconstitutions

4 meanings of constitution

Practice

  1. 1
    basic lawsnouncountable
    The basic laws and rules for running a country or group, or the document they are written in.

    Like the rulebook that decides how a whole country is run.

    The country adopted a new constitution after years of military rule.

    Their club's constitution lists the rules every member must follow.

    UsageSay under the constitution. One country's is often written with a capital C: the US Constitution.

    Note
  2. 2
    body healthnouncountable
    How strong and healthy a person's body naturally is.

    Like a car built tough enough to handle rough roads without breaking down.

    She has a strong constitution and rarely gets sick.

    Years of farm work gave him a tough constitution.

    UsageUsually with a word like strong or weak: a strong constitution.

    Note
  3. 3
    formingnouncountable or uncountable
    The act of setting something up, or the way it is put together.

    The constitution of the new committee took several weeks.

    Scientists studied the constitution of the rock to learn how it formed.

    UsageUsually said as the constitution of something.

    Similarstructure, makeup, composition, form, arrangement

    Oppositedissolution

    Note

Less common meaning

  1. 4
    church lawnouncountable
    An official document from a church leader that sets out certain church rules or teachings.

    Like an official letter from a church leader that makes a new rule for everyone to follow.

    The pope issued a constitution reforming how bishops are chosen.

    The new constitution explained the church's teaching on marriage.

    Similardecree, edict

    Note

Practice

Can you tell the meanings of constitution apart? Answer 3 quick questions from this page, or write your own sentence and AI will check it.

Origin

From Latin cōnstitūtiō, meaning character, arrangement, or regulation, from cōnstituō "to establish or set up." It came into English through Old French.

Checked 7 Nov 2026 · 5 facts