ˌWomen's ˈInstitute, the BrE AmE ( abbreviation WI )
a British organization for women, especially women in country areas, who meet for social and educational activities. Although the Women's Institute has members of all ages and all social classes, people generally imagine that a typical member is an older ↑ middle-class woman who does not have a job and who enjoys activities such as cooking and sewing. Members of the Women's Institute are also known for singing the song Jerusalem at their meetings and for selling home-made jam and cakes.