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

But at the time, and for years after, Odd Future’s ringleader and breakout talent, Tyler, The Creator, seemed an unlikely candidate to ever transcend cult status. —Eric Renner Brown, Billboard, 19 Jan. 2026

By episode five, Michael had moved on from suspecting Yam Yam to suspecting Colton, who was a ringleader in the previous episode’s banishment of Big Brother fan favorite Tiffany Mitchell. —Joe Reid, Vulture, 16 Jan. 2026

Jackson is best known as teen ringleader Erin Quinn in the hit series, who, together with friends Louisa Harland, Nicola Coughlan, Jamie-Lee O’Donnell and Dylan Llewellyn, find themselves constantly in comical crisis. —Lily Ford, HollywoodReporter, 15 Jan. 2026

The cast stars young newcomers Rasmussen, Blunck and Kayo Martin as ringleader Jake. —Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 2 Jan. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1503, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for ringleader

• cheerleader
• proofreader
• bleeder
• breeder
• feeder
• leader
• lieder
• meader
• pleader
• reader
• reeder
• seeder

Kids Definition

ringleader

noun

ring·​lead·​er ˈriŋ-ˌlēd-ər 

: a leader especially of a group of persons who cause trouble