ringleader

noun

ring·​lead·​er ˈriŋ-ˌlē-dər How to pronounce ringleader (audio)
: a leader of a ring of individuals engaged especially in improper or unlawful activities

Examples of ringleader in a Sentence

the ringleader of a gang of criminals
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The operation has resulted in charges being filed against 13 people, including the alleged ringleader. Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 1 Nov. 2024 After a few chaotic hours at the Capitol, hundreds of assaults, a handful of deaths and a mountain of mayhem, the attack on democracy was over, and the FBI was soon hunting for its ringleaders. Will Carless, USA TODAY, 28 Oct. 2024 Moyano-Morales is now the lead defendant in the case, and the alleged ringleader of the theft group. Nate Gartrell, The Mercury News, 25 Oct. 2024 That included Rigoberto Román Mirando-Orozco, the alleged ringleader. Jody García, The Christian Science Monitor, 6 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for ringleader 

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1503, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of ringleader was circa 1503

Dictionary Entries Near ringleader

Cite this Entry

“Ringleader.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ringleader. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

ringleader

noun
ring·​lead·​er ˈriŋ-ˌlēd-ər How to pronounce ringleader (audio)
: a leader especially of a group of persons who cause trouble

More from Merriam-Webster on ringleader

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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