monopoly

mo-nop-o-ly · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    The exclusive possession, control, or right to supply a particular commodity or service in a market.

  2. 2.

    Exclusive possession or control of something.

  3. 3.

    A company or group that has a monopoly.

Forms

plural: monopolies

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    have a monopoly on — to have exclusive control over something
  • •
    natural monopoly — a monopoly that arises from market conditions rather than illegal practices
  • •
    monopoly power — the ability to control prices due to market dominance

Related words

Antonyms: competition, free market
See also: cartel, competition, market, oligopoly
Synonyms: control, dominance, exclusivity

Etymology

From Latin monopolium, from Greek monopolion ("exclusive sale"), from monos ("alone, single") + polein ("to sell"). The word entered English in the 16th century.