Establishment means the act of creating or setting up something that's meant to last. When pioneers establish a new town, they build homes, schools, and stores with the intention of staying. When scientists establish a new theory, they support it with strong evidence so others can rely on it. The establishment of a friendship happens when two people build trust and commitment over time.

The word also refers to an existing organization or institution, especially one with authority and tradition. A restaurant, hotel, or store can be called an establishment. You might see a sign that says “No shoes, no service” and explains that “the management reserves the right to refuse service” in this establishment.

In another sense, the Establishment (with a capital E) means the powerful people and institutions that control a society: government leaders, major businesses, influential organizations, and long-standing traditions. When someone talks about challenging the Establishment, they mean questioning or opposing the way things have always been done by those in power. Young musicians in the 1960s rebelled against the Establishment's rules about proper behavior and music. Reformers throughout history have worked to change Establishment practices they believed were unfair or outdated.