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

In Germany and France, support for right-wing extremist groups surged to levels unseen since the Second World War, sending establishment parties scrambling to put together new coalitions that would keep them from power. —The New Yorker, 5 Nov. 2024

The campaigns this election cycle pitted Phoenix's establishment politicians against progressive activists. —Taylor Seely, The Arizona Republic, 5 Nov. 2024

However, the political tide has shifted since 2016, as younger and more diverse parties—reflecting growing discontent with the traditional political establishment—have gained traction in the wake of economic challenges and political instability. —Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2024

De León’s reelection fight comes at a time of major losses for the Latino political establishment. —David Zahniser, Los Angeles Times, 4 Nov. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 3a

Phrases Containing establishment

• non-establishment
• re-establishment
• the establishment

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