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 investigation suggests corruption extends to the most senior ranks of South Africa’s establishment, but also demonstrates authorities’ willingness to do something about it after years of complacency, one of the journalists who uncovered the graft told the Financial Times. —Jeronimo Gonzalez, semafor.com, 26 Mar. 2026

The vast multi-room establishment—set within a five-story atrium in the center of the hotel—evokes cozy romance at every turn, swathed in marble busts, vibrant floral arrangements, and intricate wall carvings. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 25 Mar. 2026

The 50-year-old victim was attacked inside a commercial establishment near Myrtle and Lewis Aves. —Colin Mixson, New York Daily News, 25 Mar. 2026

While many of Charlotte’s most popular ones grew around dense, walkable clusters of restaurants and bars — places where visitors can park once and spend the evening moving from one establishment to another — University City evolved differently. —Théoden Janes, Charlotte Observer, 24 Mar. 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