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
That rhetoric has only amplified with Abrego Garcia’s criminal indictment in Tennessee, where federal prosecutors have called him not only a member, but a ringleader in the gang and a prolific human smuggler.
—
Nick Penzenstadler, USA Today, 8 Sep. 2025
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
See All Example Sentences for ringleader
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Nick Penzenstadler, USA Today, 8 Sep. 2025
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
See All Example Sentences for ringleader
Cite this Entry
“Ringleader.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ringleader. Accessed 16 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
ringleader
noun
ring·lead·er
ˈriŋ-ˌlēd-ər
: a leader especially of a group of persons who cause trouble
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