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

In his victory speech, Qualls, who pitched himself as an outsider countering the party establishment, said the party should rally together to defeat the Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party in November. —Jimmy Lovrien, Twin Cities, 31 May 2026

Ishikawa herself worked in one of the bars that served Black soldiers, at a time when most establishments were segregated. —Hilton Als, New Yorker, 30 May 2026

The proper preparation of the seeds and planting technique are important for successful seedling establishment. —Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 30 May 2026

The county performs about 14,000 inspections annually and about 97% of establishments pass, spokesman Ken Casparis previously told The Sacramento Bee. —Veronica Fernandez-Alvarado may 29, Sacbee.com, 29 May 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