1. a group of businesses that work together to control prices and limit competition
Usage: economics; business
2. a criminal organization involved in illegal activities, especially drug trafficking
Usage: often refers to drug cartels

Examples

• The oil cartel agreed to reduce production to raise prices.
• Several companies formed a cartel to control the steel market.
• The government broke up the illegal price-fixing cartel.
• Drug cartels control much of the illegal trade in the region.
• The cartel’s influence extended across multiple countries.
• Authorities arrested several members of the smuggling cartel.