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

Through a series of maneuvers, Rue manages to trade Laurie’s coercive employ for that of Alamo Brown (Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje), a strip club magnate who quickly puts her to work managing one of his establishments. —Alison Herman, Variety, 8 Apr. 2026

Vang, 40, is part of a wave of progressive younger candidates who are trying to unseat longtime establishment incumbents across the state. —Mathew Miranda, Sacbee.com, 8 Apr. 2026

Other establishments have also received economic help to open and operate in the downtown area amid a multi-year revitalization effort supported by Glenview officials. —Jennifer Johnson, Chicago Tribune, 8 Apr. 2026

This announcement follows Michigan having six establishments named as 2026 James Beard Award semifinalists, with Bar Chenin in Detroit advancing to the finals for Best New Bar. —Jeffrey Popovich, CBS News, 8 Apr. 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