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 punishment of the ringleader of insurrection now begins finally. Joel Thayer, Newsweek, 26 Jan. 2025 George Washington pardoned the ringleaders of the Whiskey Rebellion after dispersing their followers. The Editors, National Review, 22 Jan. 2025 Chan, one of the ringleaders, was captured after boarding a plane to Sydney. Chris Lau, CNN, 15 Dec. 2024 The court in Lille, northern France, sentenced one of the ringleaders, from Iraq, to 15 years in prison and a fine of $218,000. Tom Nouvian, Los Angeles Times, 5 Nov. 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 7 Feb. 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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