kingpin

noun

king·​pin ˈkiŋ-ˌpin 

1

: the chief person in a group or undertaking

2

: any of several bowling pins: such as

a

: headpin

b

: the pin that stands in the middle of a triangular arrangement of bowling pins

3

a

: kingbolt

b

: a pin connecting the two parts of a knuckle joint (as in an automobile steering linkage)

Synonyms of kingpin

• heavyweight
• heavy
• big
• magnate
• tycoon

Examples of kingpin in a Sentence

kingpins of the movie industry

a police sting that nabbed several kingpins of the city's drug trade

Recent Examples on the Web

When his dad suddenly dies, Andy tries to take his place in the family business by tightening ties with the town’s drug kingpin. — Rafa Sales Ross, Variety, 23 June 2026

Christopher Walken stars as Frank White, a drug kingpin recently released from prison who looks to monopolize power by targeting his enemies. — Eric Farwell, Entertainment Weekly, 12 June 2026

The 50-year-old actor will be reprising his role as crime kingpin Oz Cobb (a.k.a. — Rachel Raposas, PEOPLE, 12 June 2026

In the novel, Maciel, who started his career in Nicaro, Cuba, the island nation’s most significant nickel-mining town, is the lead witness against a cartel kingpin. — Helen Acevedo, Miami Herald, 3 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1773, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Rhymes for kingpin

• akin
• auxin
• buckskin
• chagrin
• crankpin
• deerskin
• foreskin
• fuchsin
• herein
• linchpin
• pigskin
• pinyin

Kids Definition

kingpin

noun

king·​pin ˈkiŋ-ˌpin 

1

: a pin that stands in the middle of a triangular arrangement of bowling pins

also : headpin

2

: the chief person in a group or undertaking