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.
Wrote the court: The State’s establishment of a religious charter school violates Oklahoma statutes Oklahoma Constitution, and the Establishment Clause. Peter Greene, Forbes.com, 22 Apr. 2025 In lawns, take care not to mow too low, as this opens the canopy to seed establishment. Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 19 Apr. 2025 The military establishment was especially sensitive to criticism at the time – less than a month after the abortive revolt by Wagner mercenary group boss Yevgeny Prigozhin. Katharina Krebs, CNN Money, 15 Apr. 2025 Among the innovative establishments leading this movement is PRA_LEES, whose fusion of New Orleans flavors with global influences has captivated locals and visitors alike. Jasmine Browley, Essence, 15 Apr. 2025 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Establishment.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/establishment. Accessed 27 Apr. 2025.

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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