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

The West Coast Fishing Club also hosts culinary events such as the Beef, Bourbon & Barbeque, along with the September Far Beyond culinary series, in partnership with Canada’s 100 Best, showcasing some of Canada’s most renowned dining establishments. —Kyle J. Russell, USA TODAY, 16 Dec. 2024

Baked goods Ackroyd's Bakery This 70-plus-year-old Redford establishment specializes in Scottish fare, including meats, savory meat pies and sweets. —Susan Selasky, Detroit Free Press, 15 Dec. 2024

But for now, Trump is more than happy to bask in the admiration of a domestic and global establishment that is seeking his favor. —Niall Stanage, The Hill, 14 Dec. 2024

The program allows eating and drinking establishments within Los Angeles city limits to continue operating in outdoor spaces set up during the pandemic. —Cindy Carcamo, Los Angeles Times, 12 Dec. 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