rhizoverbBeta
DictionarymonopolyExclusive control
noun

monopoly

muh-NAH-puh-lee/məˈnɑːpəli/

Exclusive control of a market, resource, or activity by one entity.

The single seller gains a monopoly after the competing stalls close.

A compact before-and-after market comparison shows three independent fish stalls becoming a single seller's operation: formerly separate stocks, cash boxes, and differently colored awnings become one consolidated stock and payment point, with the other selling counters closed.
Etymology
monoGreeksingle, alone
+polyGreekto sell

“Single” and “sell” point to the exclusive right to sell something. That commercial idea broadened into possession or control that excludes others, including control beyond trade.

In context

Libertarianism.org81:02
you can have any kind of market structure monopoly a single monopoly seller might be a problem
Revising Traditional Notions of Competition and Monopoly - The Turney Collection

More examples

  • The company held a local monopoly.
  • Several monopolies controlled essential supplies.
  • No one has a monopoly on good ideas.

Forms

monopoly · monopolies

Similar words

dominance
Dominance does not require exclusive control.
cartel
A cartel involves multiple cooperating entities rather than one exclusive controller.