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.
All in all, the crackdowns will have to continue until street takeover ringleaders and participants are totally deterred. Peter D'abrosca, FOXNews.com, 3 Sep. 2025 The Godfather director steals the show here as an energetic, pugnacious and visionary circus ringleader who put his money where his mouth was for a project that wound up flopping critically and commercially. Jordan Mintzer, HollywoodReporter, 28 Aug. 2025 He was hired by the ringleader, real estate developer Nick (Thomas Kretschmann), to seduce her and pressure her into selling the family’s run-down estate so it could be transformed into a luxury wellness resort. Emily Blackwood, People.com, 25 Aug. 2025 Cronin is presented as the ringleader, gathering the ladies together for an International Women’s Day celebration to tote her burgeoning skincare brand. Ellise Shafer, Variety, 18 Aug. 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

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Cite this Entry

“Ringleader.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ringleader. Accessed 10 Sep. 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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