duopoly

noun

du·​op·​o·​ly du̇-ˈä-pə-lē 

also dyu̇-

plural duopolies

1

: an oligopoly limited to two sellers

2

: preponderant influence or control by two political powers

duopolistic

d(y)u̇-ˌä-pə-ˈli-stik 

adjective

Examples of duopoly in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Abbott had a strong hand in creating the Texas Stock Exchange, launched in 2024, and has supported the creation of dual-listings venues from New York’s stock market duopoly, the New York Stock Exchange and Nasdaq. —Sasha Richie, Dallas Morning News, 10 Mar. 2026

These two have a duopoly on the Missouri market, with Toyota of Japan in a distant third place. —Eleanor Nash, Kansas City Star, 1 Mar. 2026

In Europe, where questions over the reliability of American partnerships have become more explicit following U.S. President Donald Trump’s efforts to acquire Greenland, this duopoly of power is causing acute concern. —Beatrice Nolan, Fortune, 23 Feb. 2026

Hearts are on course to upend the Old Firm duopoly that has held since 1985 — leading Celtic and Rangers by six points with 14 games remaining — and Wilson finds himself behind Pierre Kabore, Elton Kabangu, Claudio Braga and new signing Rogers Mato in the pecking order. —Jordan Campbell, New York Times, 3 Feb. 2026

Word History

Etymology

duo- + -poly (as in monopoly)

First Known Use

1920, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for duopoly

• melancholy
• pulmonale
• triticale
• akali
• bengali
• diwali
• loblolly
• naphtali
• nepali
• secale
• somali
• colley