► organization a group of people who come together so that they can share an interest, or so that they can work together for a particular purpose: Matt works for an organization that provides food and housing for poor people. The United Nations is an international organization that was established in 1945.
► institution a large important organization such as a bank, hospital, or university: Educational institutions across the state have lost funding.
► institute an organization that has a particular purpose, such as scientific or educational work. Used especially in names: The Salk Institute is dedicated to research in biology.
► association an organization for people in a particular profession, sport, or activity, which officially represents its members. Used especially in names: Doctors are going to the American Medical Association’s annual meeting in Chicago.
► party an organization of people with the same political aims which you can vote for in elections: He voted for the Republican Party’s candidate.
► society an organization of people with the same interest or aim, especially a large organization. Used especially in names: My mother is a member of the Massachusetts Historical Society.
► club a group of people who meet regularly to do something that they are all interested in, for example an activity or hobby: The college has a chess club.
► union an organization formed by workers in order to protect their rights and improve their pay and working conditions: All teachers have the right to join a union.
► agency an organization, especially within a government, that does a specific job: The Environmental Protection Agency was established as a result of concerns about pollution.