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 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

Synonyms

• 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

San Diegans and tourists standing on the corner of Second Avenue and Market Street may spot an inconspicuous plaque on the sidewalk commemorating the Douglas Hotel, a former establishment for Black visitors and entertainment during the first half of the 20th century. —Maura Fox, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 Sep. 2025

The Magic City claimed the top spot, scoring especially high for its sheer number of dining establishments, the variety of cuisines available, and its favorable ratio of full-service restaurants to fast-food chains. —Skye Sherman, Travel + Leisure, 29 Sep. 2025

The product has an establishment number of P-45288. —Raven Brunner, PEOPLE, 28 Sep. 2025

All carry one of the USDA establishment numbers of Tyson Foods’ Hillshire Foods Company facility in Haltom City, Texas. —David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 28 Sep. 2025

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