1. exclusive control or possession of the supply of a particular commodity or service
Usage: economics
2. a company or group having exclusive control over a commodity or service
Usage: business
3. exclusive possession or control of something
Usage: general use

Examples

• The company held a monopoly on internet service in the region.
• Government regulations prevent monopolies from forming in most industries.
• The railroad monopoly controlled all freight transportation.
• She seemed to have a monopoly on good ideas during the meeting.
• Breaking up the telecommunications monopoly increased competition.
• The patent gave them a temporary monopoly on the invention.