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 The two were part of an indictment originally charging six ex-Antioch and Pittsburg cops, but four of their co-defendants have pleaded guilty, including the alleged ringleader of the scheme. Nate Gartrell, The Mercury News, 12 July 2024 In late June, Beijing released new guidelines that specified that the death penalty could be considered for the most severe crimes committed by the ringleaders of pro-Taiwanese independence activities. Bonnie S. Glaser, Foreign Affairs, 2 July 2024 Middleton, described as the group's ringleader, was sentenced to 17½ years in prison. Joshua Williams, USA TODAY, 10 Apr. 2024 With silence from Biden’s Hollywood ringleader Jeffrey Katzenberg, dozens of deep pocket donors have expressed dismay and even outrage at the president’s rambling and disjointed appearance with Trump on CNN on June 27. Dominic Patten, Deadline, 2 July 2024 See all Example Sentences for ringleader 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'ringleader.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1503, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of ringleader was circa 1503

Dictionary Entries Near ringleader

Cite this Entry

“Ringleader.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ringleader. Accessed 26 Jul. 2024.

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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