establishment

noun

es·​tab·​lish·​ment i-ˈsta-blish-mənt 

1

: something established: such as

a

: a settled arrangement

especially : a code of laws

b

: established church

c

: a permanent civil or military organization

d

: a place of business or residence with its furnishings and staff

e

: a public or private institution

2

: an established order of society: such as

a

often Establishment : a group of social, economic, and political leaders who form a ruling class (as of a nation)

b

often Establishment : a controlling group

the literary establishment

3

a

: the act of establishing

b

: the state of being established

Synonyms of establishment

• place
• facility

Examples of establishment in a Sentence

the establishment of a business

the establishment of a scientific fact

His novels were disliked by the literary establishment.

Recent Examples on the Web

The Democratic establishment has failed New York, and voters are seeing red. — Ryder Kessler, New York Daily News, 26 July 2026

The Democratic establishment is finally fighting back against the socialist takeover of the party that has been the biggest takeaway from this year’s primaries so far. — W. James Antle Iii, The Washington Examiner, 25 July 2026

Jeannine Gant, 59, a nonprofit officer who works in downtown Detroit, said establishment politics have stopped working for people on both sides of the aisle. — Phillip M. Bailey, USA Today, 25 July 2026

While inspired by Denver establishments, the space’s logo is uniquely Kansas City — featuring a golfing wolf character inspired by the Chiefs’ KC Wolf. — Sophie Lindberg, Kansas City Star, 25 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 3a

Phrases Containing establishment

• non-establishment
• re-establishment
• the establishment

Rhymes for establishment

• disestablishment
• reestablishment

Kids Definition

establishment

noun

es·​tab·​lish·​ment is-ˈtab-lish-mənt 

1

: the act of establishing : the state or fact of being established

establishment of a church

establishment of a scientific fact

2

: a place for residence or business

a dry-cleaning establishment

3

: an established order of society

also, often capitalized : the social, economic, and political leaders of such an order

rebelling against the establishment

Legal Definition

establishment

noun

es·​tab·​lish·​ment

1

: something established: as

a

: a church recognized by law as the official church of a nation or state and supported by civil authority

b

: a permanent civil or military organization

c

: a place of residence or especially business with its furnishings and staff

2

a

: an act of establishing

b

: the state of being established