'monopoly' originates from Greek, specifically the word 'monopolion', where 'mono-' meant 'single' and 'polein' meant 'to sell'.

'monopoly' changed from the Greek word 'monopolion' to Late Latin 'monopolium', then via Old French/Middle English forms such as 'monopolie' into the modern English word 'monopoly'.

Initially it meant 'exclusive right to sell', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'exclusive control of a commodity or service (or the market for it)'.