establishment

Word parts

establish + -ment

Pronunciation

• IPA ^(key): /ɪˈstæblɪʃmənt/

• Audio (US)

  (file)

• Hyphenation: estab‧lish‧ment

Noun

Singular establishment

Plural establishments

1. The establishment of a country, an organization or a building is its creation, or coming to be.

   The establishment of the United States of America took place in 1776.

   The senator was proud of his establishment of animal rights in 1967.

2. Establishment is the state of being established.

   1987 was the fifth year of the company's establishment.

3. Something that is established. This can be a government, an organization, business or force.

   Pedro's is a fine establishment that serves Spanish food.

4. The establishment is the ruling class in a society. A person using this word often thinks that the establishment does not want to change the way things are.

   Janet does not like the establishment, she wants to change things.