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

There’s a little overlap between the Margot and Zelda storylines in that the former seems to be well aware of what the latter is up to on her establishment’s grounds — not hard to guess given that the security chief (Anthony Wong) scrutinizes everyone’s tiniest move with CCTV. —Leslie Felperin, The Hollywood Reporter, 21 Sep. 2024

Business establishments were third behind public spaces and college campuses among the frequent location type for antisemitic incidents recorded at anti-Israel protests. —Alexandra Ferreyros, Cnbc Intern, CNBC, 19 Sep. 2024

Dixie Highway's Louisville Manor Motel has been ordered to close its doors indefinitely, giving the infamous establishment until Friday to appeal the decision. —Marina Johnson, The Courier-Journal, 18 Sep. 2024

These establishments not only produce exceptional wines crafted with passion and expertise but also tell unique stories and embody rich histories. —Noel Burgess, Forbes, 17 Sep. 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