Monopoly
/məˈnɒp.ə.li/noun
Exclusive control of a market or supply by one person or company.
Did you know?Monopoly comes from Greek roots meaning “single seller,” and the same ancient *mono-* root also powers words like monarch and monochrome, all carrying the energy of one dominating force.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
monopōlion
“a right of exclusive sale; a monopoly”
Late Latin
Latin
monopolium
“exclusive right of trading or selling”
Middle French
French
monopole
“a monopoly; exclusive control of trade”
16th Century
English
monopolie
“exclusive possession or control of a trade or commodity”
Modern English
English
monopoly
“exclusive control of a market or supply by one person or company”
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