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 69-year-old ringleader Aomar Ait Khedache and several others were found guilty May 23. Jay Stahl, USA Today, 24 May 2025 Among them was the ringleader Khedache, who arrived in court walking with a stick and his face hidden from cameras. Stephanie Giang-Paunon, FOXNews.com, 23 May 2025 Lee was an editor, writer, ringleader and often the initial spark for a new character: What about a blind lawyer who fights crime using his other hypersensitive senses and was kind of a daredevil? Christopher Borrelli, Chicago Tribune, 4 June 2025 Listen to this article 4 min The ringleader and seven other robbers, who were involved in stealing $6 million worth of jewelry from Kim Kardashian in her Paris hotel room on Oct. 3, 2016, have been found guilty. Stephanie Giang-Paunon, FOXNews.com, 23 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Ringleader.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ringleader. Accessed 30 Jun. 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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