ringleader
noun
ring·lead·er
ˈriŋ-ˌlē-dər 
: 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
One famous economist even took a turn as circus ringleader (more on that later).
—
Bella Webb, Vogue, 2 Apr. 2026
Calyute, believed to be the ringleader, was also imprisoned for several weeks.
—Britannica Editors, Encyclopedia Britannica, 1 Apr. 2026
No one’s asking for CNN to be TMZ on TV, with Anderson Cooper as a Harvey Levin-esque ringleader in the newsroom.
—Erik Hayden, HollywoodReporter, 23 Mar. 2026
Wembanyama still remembers the assistant coach who served as ringleader for that core memory.
—Jeff McDonald, San Antonio Express-News, 21 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for ringleader
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.
Bella Webb, Vogue, 2 Apr. 2026
Calyute, believed to be the ringleader, was also imprisoned for several weeks.
—Britannica Editors, Encyclopedia Britannica, 1 Apr. 2026
No one’s asking for CNN to be TMZ on TV, with Anderson Cooper as a Harvey Levin-esque ringleader in the newsroom.
—Erik Hayden, HollywoodReporter, 23 Mar. 2026
Wembanyama still remembers the assistant coach who served as ringleader for that core memory.
—Jeff McDonald, San Antonio Express-News, 21 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for ringleader
Cite this Entry
“Ringleader.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ringleader. Accessed 5 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
ringleader
noun
ring·lead·er
ˈriŋ-ˌlēd-ər
: a leader especially of a group of persons who cause trouble
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
