monopoly

mo·nop·o·ly

noun \mə-ˈnä-p(ə-)lē\

plural mo·nop·o·lies

Definition of MONOPOLY

1

: exclusive ownership through legal privilege, command of supply, or concerted action

2

: exclusive possession or control

3

: a commodity controlled by one party

4

: one that has a monopoly

Examples of MONOPOLY

1. The government passed laws intended to break up monopolies.

Origin of MONOPOLY

Latin monopolium, from Greek monopōlion, from mon- + pōlein to sell

First Known Use: 1534

Other Business Terms

amortize, caveat emptor, clearinghouse, divest, due diligence, emolument, green-collar, marque, overhead, perquisite