established

1 of 2

adjective

es·​tab·​lished i-ˈsta-blisht 

1

: accepted and recognized or followed by many people

established rules/customs/traditions

2

a

: successful for a long period of time and widely known

an established author/artist

an established law firm

… people with Ph.D.s have been credentialed by established experts in their fields

—Louis Menand

b

: growing or flourishing successfully

an established plant

an established flower garden

3

of a church or religion : officially recognized and accepted by the government of a country

Some of the religious groups lasted, but at a price. Their dogma hardened, and they developed organizational structures that are mirror images of established churches.

—O. B. Hardison, Jr.

established

2 of 2

past tense and past participle of establish

Examples of established in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

How researchers tested model To examine this possibility, the team modified the established Kawano/NUC123 computer code, which simulates Big Bang nucleosynthesis. — Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 8 Nov. 2026

The case highlights an intensifying battle over semiconductor know-how as Chinese chipmakers narrow the gap with established rivals, putting the race for top engineering talent increasingly at odds with efforts to protect trade secrets. — Jenny Lee, CNBC, 5 Nov. 2026

As an established personality there were opportunities for self-mockery and oddball choices. — Television Critic, Los Angeles Times, 30 Oct. 2026

The subheadline in print presents climate change as an established explanation. — Chicago Tribune, 28 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1540, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing established

• established church
• established order
• pre-established

Rhymes for established

• disestablished
• preestablished
• reestablished
• stablished