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 ringleader of the scheme, who was recently sentenced to forty-one years in prison, was a white American named Aimee Bock, but a majority of the more than seventy people convicted were Somali Americans. — Emily Witt, New Yorker, 31 Aug. 2026 In the lawsuit, Kupsh acknowledges attending most of the demonstrations but denies being a ringleader, blocking anyone from campus walkways or refusing orders. — Jaweed Kaleem, Los Angeles Times, 31 Aug. 2026 The investigation, dubbed Operation Sundown, centers on 60-year-old Juan Awais, who deputies describe as the alleged ringleader. — Chelsea Jones, CBS News, 28 Aug. 2026 The ringleader, Juan Awais, 60, used his property-management companies and affiliated vendors to exert control over associations under his management, the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office said in a Thursday statement. — Sofia Saric, Miami Herald, 27 Aug. 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
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Ringleader.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ringleader. Accessed 7 Sep. 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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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