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

Lili Reinhart’s coldly overbearing Apple (with lucious, flaming red hair) is their ringleader, Alexandra Shipp’s Fig is a science genius who lost her personality in a swirl of people pleasing, and Victoria Pedretti’s mentally fragile Cherry is Apple’s resident punching bag and fixer-upper project. —Jada Yuan, Vulture, 19 Mar. 2026

Lewis makes Allegra a horny scamp, and Olyphant’s Pete, the group ringleader, has a svelte savagery. —Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 15 Mar. 2026

Prosecutors described Song, a former Marine reservist, as the ringleader of the group and said others knew or should have known about his plans. —Sue Ambrose, Dallas Morning News, 13 Mar. 2026

Burton branded as robbery’s ‘ringleader’ In August 1991, Burton and five other men piled into two cars and drove to Talladega, according to court documents. —Elise Hammond, CNN Money, 10 Mar. 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