cartel — An association of manufacturers or suppliers with the purpose of maintaining prices at a high level and restricting competition
Part of speech: NOUN
Definition: An association of manufacturers or suppliers with the purpose of maintaining prices at a high level and restricting competition
Pronunciation (IPA): /kɑrˈtel/
Example Sentences
- The smartphone cartel was caught red-handed when all prices mysteriously increased by exactly $50 on the same day.
- OPEC is one of the world's most powerful oil cartels.
- The coffee shop cartel on campus made sure no latte cost less than $6.
cartel
NOUN[/kɑrˈtel/]
An association of manufacturers or suppliers with the purpose of maintaining prices at a high level and restricting competition
The oil cartel meets secretly to fix prices and crush smaller competitors.
When the hotel bell rings, the cartel convenes
Got the picture? Now let's practice.
🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
The word derives from 16th-century French cartel, ultimately from Italian cartello meaning 'small paper' or 'written document'. Originally denoting a written challenge or agreement, the term evolved to describe formal business agreements and cartels, as companies documented their joint arrangements in writing.
Breakdown
Italian cartello (small paper, diminutive of carta meaning paper) → French cartel (written agreement, pact) → Modern cartel (business agreement or monopolistic alliance).
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“The smartphone cartel was caught red-handed when all prices mysteriously increased by exactly $50 on the same day.”
“OPEC is one of the world's most powerful oil cartels.”
“The coffee shop cartel on campus made sure no latte cost less than $6.”
“Government regulators are investigating the suspected cartel in the telecommunications industry.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
Related
Want to master 19,000+ words?
Sign up free for flashcards & quizzes.