English Reference
noun

establishment

n.
US /ɪˈstæbɫɪʃmənt/ UK /ɪstˈæblɪʃmənt/ es·tab·lish·ment UK spelling establishment's, establishment's

  1. 01 B2 Upper Intermediate

    a place of business, a shop, or an organization.

    a place of business, residence, or public institution; often used to refer to a commercial or educational entity.

    Simple

    The new coffee establishment on the corner is already very popular.

    In context

    The city council granted a license to the new educational establishment, provided they met the strict safety requirements for the historic building.

  2. 02 C1 Advanced Formal

    the powerful people in a society who control things and do not like change.

    the social, economic, and political elite that holds power and influence in a country, typically viewed as resistant to change.

    Simple

    The young protesters were angry at the establishment for ignoring their concerns.

    In context

    The candidate ran a campaign based on challenging the political establishment, promising to disrupt the traditional power structures of the capital.

    Usage

    Usually used with 'the' as 'the Establishment'.

    authoritiesruling classelite
    counterculturerebels
  3. 03 B2 Upper Intermediate Academic

    the act of starting or creating something like a law, a company, or a system.

    the act or process of founding, instituting, or creating something intended to be permanent.

    Simple

    The establishment of the new park took several years of planning.

    In context

    The establishment of diplomatic relations between the two nations was seen as a major breakthrough for regional stability.

  4. 04 C2 Proficiency British EnglishFormalTechnical

    the number of people who are supposed to work in a specific department.

    the fixed number of personnel or staff required to operate an organization or department effectively.

    Simple

    The hospital is currently working with a staff below its full establishment.

    In context

    The department was granted a temporary increase in its establishment to handle the surge in administrative work following the merger.

    headcountstaffing

Farage framed the by-election as a "people versus the establishment" showdown, saying the "people of Clacton should be the judges of my actions".

BBC News· 14 Aug 2026

On his own land in Area B, Mayor Khourieh has watched a settler take over his vineyard and its well over the past month, following the establishment of a settler outpost nearby.

Al Jazeera· 14 Aug 2026
This entry
Level C1 · Advanced
Frequency Common
Updated