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
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
At a recent show the ringleader wore a red dirndl with gray knee socks and black ankle boots.
—Jessica Gelt, Los Angeles Times, 9 Mar. 2026
Margot Robbie's Ocean's Eleven prequel has lost another ringleader.
—Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 4 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for ringleader
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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
At a recent show the ringleader wore a red dirndl with gray knee socks and black ankle boots.
—Jessica Gelt, Los Angeles Times, 9 Mar. 2026
Margot Robbie's Ocean's Eleven prequel has lost another ringleader.
—Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 4 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for ringleader
Cite this Entry
“Ringleader.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ringleader. Accessed 15 Mar. 2026.
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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