Definition of CONSTITUTE (original) (raw)
1
: [make up](/dictionary/make up), form, compose
12 months constitute a year.
… high school dropouts who constitute a major problem in large city slums.—
J. B. Conant
2
a
: enact
regulations as are constituted by the government
b
: found
constitute a provisional government
c(1)
: to give due or lawful form to
an agreement constituted by writing
3
: to appoint to an office, function, or dignity
Legal authority constitutes all magistrates.
Synonyms
Examples of constitute in a Sentence
Women constitute 70 percent of the student population at the college. nine players constitute a baseball team
Recent Examples on the Web Instead, they were treated to stats and general information about the size of Netflix’s global audience, what constitutes a hit, how the streamer markets its shows and how its content impacts music, social media — and people’s lives. —Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 24 Sep. 2024 This informational and educational article does not offer or constitute, and should not be relied upon as, tax or financial advice. —Cicely Jones, Forbes, 24 Sep. 2024 Despite being as small as an atom, these primordial black holes would be heavier than thousands of solar masses and constitute dark matter. —Bradford Betz, Fox News, 24 Sep. 2024 In closing arguments Friday, the sides sparred over the scope of the OMG Girlz ‘s fame, what constituted market confusion and the difference between inspiration and misappropriation. —Nancy Dillon, Rolling Stone, 23 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for constitute 
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'constitute.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
Etymology
Middle English, from Latin constitutus, past participle of constituere to set up, constitute, from com- + statuere to set — more at statute
First Known Use
15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 3
Time Traveler
The first known use of constitute was in the 15th century
Dictionary Entries Near constitute
Cite this Entry
“Constitute.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/constitute. Accessed 1 Oct. 2024.
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Last Updated: 28 Sep 2024 - Updated example sentences
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