kingpin
5 synonyms for kingpin, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — The most important person in an organization, especially one running a large criminal enterprise.
Synonyms
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use kingpin
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
drug kingpin
crime kingpin
Etymology
A compound of "king" and "pin" — originally a literal mechanical part, later extended to mean a central, indispensable figure.
Full origin of kingpin →Frequently asked questions
What does “kingpin” mean?
The word “kingpin” means the most important person in an organization, especially one running a large criminal enterprise. In plain terms, the main, most important figure running an operation (often criminal), or a central pivot bolt in machinery/bowling.
How do you pronounce “kingpin”?
“Kingpin” is pronounced KIHNG-pihn (/ˈkɪŋ.pɪn/ in IPA).
How do you use “kingpin” in a sentence?
Here is “kingpin” used in a sentence: “Police finally arrested the drug kingpin after years of investigation.”
What part of speech is “kingpin”?
“Kingpin” is a noun.
How many meanings does “kingpin” have?
“Kingpin” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the most important person in an organization, especially one running a large criminal enterprise.
