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 Koblenz Higher Regional Court sentenced the four ringleaders to prison sentences between five years and nine months to eight years. Compiled By Democrat-Gazette Staff From Wire Reports, arkansasonline.com, 7 Mar. 2025 From the outset, Union Pacific officials recognized that the odds of bringing the riot’s ringleaders to justice were slim. Michael Luo, The New Yorker, 3 Mar. 2025 The real goal is to take down the ringleader, Wilk. Sara Netzley, EW.com, 4 Feb. 2025 More than $150,000 in counterfeit bags were seized and nine ringleaders and factory foreman were imprisoned in connection with the case. Lisa Lockwood, WWD, 4 Feb. 2025 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Ringleader.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ringleader. Accessed 12 Mar. 2025.

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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