oligopoly

noun

ol·​i·​gop·​o·​ly ˌä-lə-ˈgä-pə-lē 

ˌō-

: a market situation in which each of a few producers affects but does not control the market

oligopolist

ˌä-lə-ˈgä-pə-list 

ˌō-

noun

oligopolistic

ˌä-lə-ˌgä-pə-ˈli-stik 

ˌō-

adjective

Examples of oligopoly in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

However, consolidation can also increase supply chain fragility because oligopolies, which have been allowed to operate through lax antitrust enforcement, can be incredibly harmful. —Steve Banker, Forbes.com, 1 June 2025

Fast forward to today, and Zillow has essentially helped create an oligopoly in U.S. real estate. —Rodolfo Delgado, Forbes, 24 Oct. 2024

Supposedly temporary protections for infant industries or struggling economic sectors often become permanent, encouraging the development of monopolies or oligopolies. —Shannon K. O'Neil, Foreign Affairs, 8 Dec. 2020

Without open academic research, the AI oligopoly will only further cement itself. —Matteo Wong, The Atlantic, 11 Apr. 2025

Word History

Etymology

olig- + -poly (as in monopoly)

First Known Use

1895, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for oligopoly

• trichinopoly
• antimonopoly
• monopoly

Legal Definition

oligopoly

noun

ol·​i·​gop·​o·​ly ˌä-li-ˈgä-pə-lē, ˌō- 

plural oligopolies

: a condition in which a few sellers dominate a particular market to the detriment of competition by others