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.
Chattman, an actor from Arizona, explained that Sabin, 1, is the ringleader. Lucy Notarantonio, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 Oct. 2025 One of the defendants, Benjamin Song — a 32-year-old former Marine Corps reservist who associates described to authorities as a cult-like ringleader who opposes the government on immigration enforcement and on other matters — shot Alvarado Police Department Lt. Emerson Clarridge, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 3 Oct. 2025 The ringleader of the group and seven others were found guilty on May 23. Lauryn Overhultz, FOXNews.com, 2 Oct. 2025 Concurrently, Jake is also pulled into Vince’s financial woes, including the latter’s ongoing tension with a criminal ringleader, Joe (CODA Oscar winner Troy Kotsur), who seeks repayment for a massive debt Vince can’t settle. Joey Nolfi, Entertainment Weekly, 19 Sep. 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Ringleader.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ringleader. Accessed 19 Oct. 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!