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.
Lawyers for the defendants, including alleged ringleader Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, are weighing whether to appeal the decision to the full federal bench or the U.S. Supreme Court. Sacha Pfeiffer, NPR, 11 July 2025 Months later, Davidson, who was known as the ringleader of the group, was convicted and sentenced to death. Kirsten Fiscus, The Tennessean, 6 July 2025 Which story series inspired the U.K. ringleader (subsequently convicted and imprisoned)? Sherlock Holmes, created by Arthur Conan Doyle Hercule Poirot, an Agatha Christie sleuth James Bond, invented by Ian Fleming The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, by Stieg Larsson Thanks for reading! Kristina Karisch, The Hill, 19 June 2025 On May 23, eight people, including the ringleader, were found guilty, while two were acquitted. Ashley Hume, FOXNews.com, 11 June 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 22 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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