monopole: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples

In modern English, 'monopoly' is the far more common term for exclusive market control. 'Monopole' is a formal, often technical variant used in specific academic and technical registers (economics, physics). They are essentially synonyms in the economic sense.

As of now, magnetic monopoles are hypothetical particles predicted by some theories in physics. Despite extensive searches, no conclusive experimental evidence for their existence has been found.

It is very rare and considered non-standard. The verb form of 'monopoly' ('monopolise/monopolize') is universally preferred.

In economics, a pure monopole typically leads to higher prices and lower output than in competitive markets, which is generally detrimental to consumer welfare. However, natural monopolies (e.g., railways, utilities) are sometimes regulated or state-owned to manage these negative effects for public benefit.

A market situation in which a single company or entity is the sole supplier of a particular commodity or service.

Monopole is usually formal, technical, academic in register.

Monopole: in British English it is pronounced /ˈmɒn.ə.pəʊl/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈmɑː.nə.poʊl/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.