noun
monopoly
muh-NO-puh-lee
noun
1
Complete or exclusive control over the supply of a product or service, shutting out competitors.
"The utility company held a monopoly over electricity in the region."
"Antitrust laws exist to prevent harmful monopolies from forming."
How to Use Monopoly
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTotal control of a market or industry by a single company, with no real competition left.
Common pairings
hold a monopoly
break up a monopoly
monopoly on power
Word Forms
monopolies plural
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The utility company held a _____ over electricity in the region.
Etymology
From Latin monopolium, from Greek monopolion, "the exclusive right to sell," combining monos (sole) with poleo (to sell).