establishment

noun

es·​tab·​lish·​ment i-ˈsta-blish-mənt How to pronounce establishment (audio)
1
: something established: such as
a
: a settled arrangement
especially : a code of laws
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 capitalized : a group of social, economic, and political leaders who form a ruling class (as of a nation)
b
often capitalized : a controlling group
the literary establishment
3
a
: the act of establishing
b
: the state of being established

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Vuitton will also support the public establishment’s activities and exhibitions, and help enrich its collections. Joelle Diderich, WWD, 22 Nov. 2024 In the case of Wolverine Packing Co.’s ground beef recall, the products were distributed only to restaurants, meaning diners rely on those establishments to track alerts, inspect inventory, and remove potentially unsafe items. Stephanie Gravalese, Forbes, 21 Nov. 2024 Indeed, to understand our foreign policy establishment's hypocrisy at work, compare the outrage over Gabbard's nomination to 2018 confirmation hearings over Gina Haspel, whom Trump chose to run the CIA. Matt Robison, Newsweek, 21 Nov. 2024 Seating just 18 diners, the somewhat old-fashioned establishment is open only at lunchtime on weekdays, takes cash only, sells books, and reservations must be made by phone – or postcard. Richard Windsor, theweek, 20 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for establishment 

Word History

First Known Use

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of establishment was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near establishment

Cite this Entry

“Establishment.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/establishment. Accessed 4 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

establishment

noun
es·​tab·​lish·​ment is-ˈtab-lish-mənt How to pronounce establishment (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on establishment

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