Cartel

/kɑːrˈtɛl/

Meaning & Definition

noun

A formal agreement between competing firms to control prices or limit production, often for the purpose of maximizing profits.

The major oil companies formed a cartel to increase prices at the pump.

An association of manufacturers or suppliers that maintains prices at a high level and restricts competition.

The government is investigating the electronics cartel for price-fixing.

A coalition of political or social interests to promote a common agenda.

The environmental cartel lobbied for stricter regulations on emissions.

In the context of organized crime, a group or alliance of criminal organizations that cooperate in illegal activities.

The drug cartel was responsible for a significant portion of the illegal drug trade.

From Italian 'cartello' meaning 'a placard' or 'bill', from Latin 'charta' meaning 'leaf of paper'.

drug cartel

An organization engaged in the illegal drug trade.

price-fixing cartel

A group of companies that agree on prices to maintain profit margins.

cartel of nations

An alliance of countries that cooperate for mutual benefit.

monopoly

The exclusive possession or control of the supply or trade in a commodity or service.

trust

A legal arrangement in which one party holds property for the benefit of another.

The drug trade or narcotics business.

He's deep into the cartel game.

Any secretive or underground business operation.

They run a cartel behind the scenes.