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

• joint
• parlor
• place
• salon

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

At an establishment that cuts its ice, a single hand-cut piece, like the one Mix describes, can cost between $0.50 and $0.75 each, if not more, significantly driving up the overall price of a cocktail. —Isidoro Rodriguez, Forbes.com, 29 May 2025

The business owner next door had called him just after 6 a.m. to say that burglars had broken into their coffee and candy store and also breached Youssef’s establishment, 5 Star Jewelry & Watch Repair. —Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 28 May 2025

The Colorado Immigrant Rights Coalition, Service Employees International Union and Colorado Restaurant Association have held webinars and prepared guides on how managers of restaurants or other establishments should conduct themselves in case ICE arrives for an inspection. —Miguel Otárola, Denver Post, 28 May 2025

Orders at the storied green and white establishment can cost roughly $10 to $12 if food is included. —Rachel Schilke, The Washington Examiner, 25 May 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