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.
Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem told Fox News late last month that a TdA ringleader was busted in an immigration raid in the Bronx and was trying to buy grenades. Michael Dorgan, Fox News, 20 Feb. 2025 Inside Man Spike Lee directs this nail-biting heist movie that pits Denzel Washington and Chiwetel Ejiofor's detectives against criminal ringleader Clive Owen. Matt Robison, Newsweek, 18 Feb. 2025 After 10 seasons away from The Voice, OG coach Adam Levine returned to NBC’s enduring sing-off Monday, taking a red swivel chair next to John Legend, Michael Bublé and former Comeback Stage ringleader Kelsea Ballerini. Charlie Mason, TVLine, 3 Feb. 2025 Smee’s telling centers on charismatic ringleader Édouard Manet and his friends Berthe Morisot and Edgar Degas, who were all trapped in Paris during the siege of 1870 to ’71 while the other pivotal artists of the day managed to escape. Julie Belcove, Robb Report, 23 Nov. 2024 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 27 Feb. 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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