ringleader
noun
ring·lead·er
ˈriŋ-ˌlē-dər 
: 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
Walker was 19 at the time of the slaying and was described by prosecutors as a ringleader of the group.
—
Nancy Dillon, Rolling Stone, 5 Feb. 2025
The Corruption Investigation Office for High-Ranking Officials (CIO) named Yoon, the first sitting president to be arrested in South Korea’s history, as the ringleader of an insurrection, also involving his defense minister at the time.
—Reuters, NBC News, 23 Jan. 2025
These individuals are the ringleaders, and they must be stopped.
—Ryan Nawrocki, Baltimore Sun, 19 Jan. 2025
Between Trump and Griffith are figures who were ringleaders or were instrumental in the violence, notably members of the Proud Boys.
—Andrea Kalin, The New Yorker, 9 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for ringleader 
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Nancy Dillon, Rolling Stone, 5 Feb. 2025
The Corruption Investigation Office for High-Ranking Officials (CIO) named Yoon, the first sitting president to be arrested in South Korea’s history, as the ringleader of an insurrection, also involving his defense minister at the time.
—Reuters, NBC News, 23 Jan. 2025
These individuals are the ringleaders, and they must be stopped.
—Ryan Nawrocki, Baltimore Sun, 19 Jan. 2025
Between Trump and Griffith are figures who were ringleaders or were instrumental in the violence, notably members of the Proud Boys.
—Andrea Kalin, The New Yorker, 9 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for ringleader
Dictionary Entries Near ringleader
Cite this Entry
“Ringleader.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ringleader. Accessed 21 Feb. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
ringleader
noun
ring·lead·er
ˈriŋ-ˌlēd-ər
: a leader especially of a group of persons who cause trouble
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