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.
He is alleged to have been the ringleader of the attack on the Nord Stream gas pipelines, considered one of Europe’s biggest acts of sabotage since World War II. — ABC News, 27 Oct. 2026 It is understood that the six suspects arrested by British authorities are not currently believed to have been ringleaders in the plot, despite their involvement in potentially criminal activity at the air base. — Timothy Nerozzi, The Washington Examiner, 13 Oct. 2026 Lawyers for all four defendants painted Stephen Santiago as the ringleader and trigger man. — Roni Jacobson, New York Daily News, 13 Oct. 2026 Could the Beach Boys go on as a touring entity without him as the ringleader? — Chris Willman, Variety, 12 Oct. 2026 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

Rhymes for ringleader

See All Rhymes for ringleader

Browse Nearby Words

ringlead
ringleader
ringle-eyed
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Cite this Entry

“Ringleader.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ringleader. Accessed 1 Nov. 2026.

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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
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