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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The ringleader, David McCann, was sentenced to nine years, while accomplice Tajhai Jones got just over eight years. John Annese, New York Daily News, 22 June 2025 Amaia has gone from ringleader in the fight for justice to cracking under the immense pressure put upon her by herself and her mother to achieve greatness. Barry Levitt, Time, 20 June 2025 Prosecutors allege Riley was the ringleader in a series of burglaries that began in February and involved stealing more than $6,000 in Louis Vuitton bags from Seattle Mariners pitcher Luis Castillo's home. CBS News, 7 June 2025 Associated Press Originally, 14 men were charged over the plot, with nine later convicted, including ringleader Barry Croft Jr., who received a 19-year sentence. Dan Gooding gabe Whisnant, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for ringleader

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1503, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of ringleader was circa 1503

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Cite this Entry

“Ringleader.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ringleader. Accessed 8 Jul. 2025.

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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