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

The alleged ringleader of a cocaine trafficking ring involving two Penn State fraternities surrendered on Tuesday morning, the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General announced. — Madeline Bartos, CBS News, 18 Aug. 2026

The alleged ringleader of a Penn State University fraternity cocaine distribution ring is now in custody. — Kelsie Cairns , Michael Ruiz, FOXNews.com, 18 Aug. 2026

Prosecutors say ringleader Agostino Abbatiello ran an upper-level trafficking operation from two off-campus frat houses, moving bulk cocaine from Philadelphia and New York into the campus party scene. — Los Angeles Times, 18 Aug. 2026

The director and ringleader, Havelock Titus, asks himself this question more than a decade after those hopeful rehearsals. — Emma Sarappo, The Atlantic, 14 Aug. 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