linchpin
5 synonyms for linchpin, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A pin pushed through the end of an axle to keep a wheel from sliding off.
Synonyms
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
mainstay
lynchpin
How to use linchpin
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
the linchpin of
a crucial linchpin
remove the linchpin
Etymology
From Old English lynis ("axle pin") combined with pin; the figurative sense of "essential connecting piece" developed in the 20th century.
Full origin of linchpin →Frequently asked questions
What does “linchpin” mean?
The word “linchpin” means a pin pushed through the end of an axle to keep a wheel from sliding off. In plain terms, the key person or element that everything else depends on to stay together.
How do you pronounce “linchpin”?
“Linchpin” is pronounced LIHNCH-pihn (/ˈlɪnt͡ʃˌpɪn/ in IPA).
How do you use “linchpin” in a sentence?
Here is “linchpin” used in a sentence: “The cart wheel came loose after the linchpin snapped.”
What part of speech is “linchpin”?
“Linchpin” is a noun.
Where does the word “linchpin” come from?
The word “linchpin” dates back to around 1900 and comes from Old English. From Old English lynis ("axle pin") combined with pin; the figurative sense of "essential connecting piece" developed in the 20th century.
How many meanings does “linchpin” have?
“Linchpin” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a pin pushed through the end of an axle to keep a wheel from sliding off.
