monopoly

noun (plural monopolies)

• 1the exclusive possession or control of the supply of or trade in a commodity or service:the state’s monopoly of radio and television broadcasting
• a company or group having exclusive control over a commodity or service: passenger services were largely in the hands of state-owned monopolies France’s electricity monopoly, EDF
• a commodity or service in the exclusive control of a company or group: electricity, gas, and water were considered to be natural monopolies
• [usually with negative] the exclusive possession, control, or exercise of something:men don’t have a monopoly on unrequited love

• 2 (Monopoly) trademark a board game in which players engage in simulated property and financial dealings using imitation money. It was invented in the US and the name was coined by Charles Darrow circa 1935.